Daily Scripture, November 26, 2024
Scripture:
Revelation 14:14-19
Luke 21:5-11
Reflection:
We have often heard the saying, “Humans plan, and God laughs.” We like being in control. We like thinking we’re in control. We’re not good with being out of control.
In today’s Gospel from the Evangelist Luke, we can imagine Jesus smirking as the crowd eyes the beautifully adorned Temple, proudly marveling at what humans have created. He says, “All that you see here – the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.”
Later this week we will gather in prayer and feasting to celebrate Thanksgiving. When growing up, the Pilgrims’ Story was, as I recall, a tale of amazing endurance and faith, and less about overeating. I had the sense that the plans of these early settlers did not go as expected. They were probably quite surprised they had lived to tell the tale and celebrate the largess of God’s bounty.
While maybe not as dramatic as the Pilgrims’ Story, our stories might be told similarly. We probably all can look back on our lives with some humility, maybe even surprise. I know that when I reflect back to my early 20s and what I thought my life would look like when I was in my late 40s (I’m way beyond that now!), it is rather humorous. Yes, I was planning and God was laughing. But I could not be more grateful, even if surprised and certainly humbled.
Rather than hold stubbornly to our plans, faith means being attentive to the Spirit. We need to be people of discernment. We need to be open to how God engages us and draws us forward. As the Prophet Jeremiah assures us: “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans of fullness and not of harm, plans to have you hope and a future” (Jer 29:11). Can we trust in this promise?
Robert Hotz is a consultant with American City Bureau, Inc. and was the Director of The Passion of Christ: The Love That Compels Campaign for Holy Cross Province.
Scripture:Acts 16: 1-10John 15: 18-21Reflection:“They traveled through the Phrygian and Galatian territory because they had been prevented by the Holy Spirit from preaching the message in the province of Asia.”If » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Acts 15:22-31John 15:12-17Reflection: “…love one another as I love you…”As we continue to experience the risen Jesus this Easter Season we are today encouraged in our discipleship and our stewardship of » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Acts 15:1-6John 15:1-8Reflection:What is John saying to us in this Gospel? This is an amazing and profound read, like much of John’s Gospel. Today, I would like to concentrate on » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Acts 14:21-27 Revelation 21:1-5aJohn 13:31-33a, 34-35Reflection:In the 13th chapter of John’s Gospel we read the following profound words:“My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. I » Continue Reading.
Feast of St. MatthiasScripture:Acts 1:15-17, 20-26John 15:9-17Reflection:Two special events are celebrated in our readings today. One is a glimpse of community at its best when it is guided and inspired » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Acts 13:26-33John 14:1-6Reflection:Today’s Gospel invites us to feel consoled in Jesus Christ. We are led by Thomas’ question of Jesus to guard our hearts against any and all concerns. Thomas » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Acts 13:13-25John 13:16-20Reflection:In these days and weeks that follow Easter the image of “journeying” repeats itself time and again. We follow the disciples on the way to Emmaus. We hear » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Acts 12:24-13:5a John 12:44-50Reflection:“After being set apart by the Holy Spirit to travel, Barnabas and Saul were also sent on their way by the Holy Spirit.”Barnabas and Saul came from » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Acts 11:19-26John 10:22-30Reflection:I recently went through an extremely difficult, painful time. In its midst, I didn’t feel the presence of God. I’d cry out in prayer, “God, where are you? » Continue Reading.
Scripture:Acts 11:1-18John 10:1-10Reflection: The Shepherd Who Was Slain for His Sheep Is Truly RisenThe gospels for the Fourth Sunday of Easter tell us of the Good Shepherd, and are » Continue Reading.