Daily Readings - Sun Nov 23 2025

¹All the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and said, "We are your own flesh and blood.²In the past, while Saul was king over us, you were the one who led Israel on their military campaigns. And the LORD said to you, 'You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.'"³When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel.

Colossians

Chapter 1

¹²giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.¹³For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,¹⁴in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.¹⁵He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.¹⁶For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.¹⁷He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.¹⁸And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.¹⁹For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him,²⁰and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Luke

Chapter 23

³⁵The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."³⁶The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar³⁷and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."³⁸There was a written notice above him, which read:|sc THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.³⁹One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"⁴⁰But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence?⁴¹We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."⁴²Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. "⁴³Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter three distinct yet interconnected scenes that guide us toward a deeper understanding of leadership, redemption, and divine love. The first reading from 2 Samuel recounts David’s anointing as King of Israel, highlighting the people’s recognition of his leadership and God’s covenant with him. This historical event sets the stage for reflecting on leadership as a sacred trust, entrusted not for personal glory but for the welfare of the people. The second reading from Colossians presents a hymn to Christ, celebrating Him as the firstborn of all creation and the head of the Church. This passage elevates our understanding of Jesus beyond a historical figure, portraying Him as the divine ruler who reconciles all things through His blood. It invites us to contemplate the cosmic significance of Christ’s mission and our place within His redemptive plan. The Gospel from Luke vividly depicts the crucifixion, where Jesus, mocked as the King of the Jews, embodies humility and forgiveness. The exchange with the repentant thief illustrates the transformative power of faith and mercy. Here, Jesus’s kingship is not about power but about selfless love, offering salvation even in His final moments. These readings weave together to reveal Jesus as the true King, whose reign is characterized by love and redemption. In our daily lives, we are called to recognize Jesus’s gentle yet profound kingship. His leadership is a call to humility, compassion, and trust in divine providence. As we navigate our own trials, may we turn to Jesus, seeking His mercy and striving to reflect His love in our actions. Let us remember that true leadership, as exemplified by Christ, is not about dominance but about serving and bringing hope to others. In this, we find the essence of living under the reign of God’s love.