Daily Readings - Sat Sep 09 2017

First Reading - Colossians 1.21-23

²¹And you, though you had been, in times past, understood to be foreigners and enemies, with works of evil²²yet now he has reconciled you, by his body of flesh, through death, so as to offer you, holy and immaculate and blameless, before him²³So then, continue in the faith: well-founded and steadfast and immovable, by the hope of the Gospel that you have heard, which has been preached throughout all creation under heaven, the Gospel of which I, Paul, have become a minister

Gospel - Luke 6.1-5

Luke

Chapter 6

¹Now it happened that, on the second first Sabbath, as he passed through the grain field, his disciples were separating the ears of grain and eating them, by rubbing them in their hands²Then certain Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbaths?³And responding to them, Jesus said: "Have you not read this, what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him⁴How he entered into the house of God, and took the bread of the Presence, and ate it, and gave it to those who were with him, though it is not lawful for anyone to eat it, except the priests alone?⁵And he said to them, "For the Son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath.

Sermon

In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, compassion, and the essence of God's law. The first reading from Colossians reminds us of our reconciliation through Christ's sacrifice, urging us to remain steadfast in faith. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees' strict Sabbath observance, emphasizing that human needs and compassion should guide our understanding of God's laws. Both readings highlight the importance of living out our faith with love and understanding. Colossians calls us to holiness and unwavering faith, while Luke's passage shows Jesus prioritizing people's well-being over rigid rules. This connection teaches us that our actions should be guided by love and service, reflecting God's heart rather than mere legalism. As we apply these teachings to our lives, we are reminded to approach challenges with compassion and faith. Let us strive to be reconcilers, bringing God's love into our interactions. By doing so, we honor the essence of our faith, living as holy and blameless children of God, guided by love and mercy.