Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 11, 2017
First Reading: Colossians 1.24 2.3
24For now I rejoice in my passion on your behalf, and I complete in my flesh the things that are lacking in the Passion of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the Church
Psalm 62
1Unto the end. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. Will my soul not be subject to God? For from him is my salvation2Yes, he himself is my God and my salvation. He is my supporter; I will be moved no more3How is it that you rush against a man? Every one of you puts to death, as if you were pulling down a ruined wall, leaning over and falling apart4So, truly, they intended to reject my price. I ran in thirst. They blessed with their mouth and cursed with their heart5Yet, truly, my soul will be subject to God. For from him is my patience6For he is my God and my Savior. He is my helper; I will not be expelled7In God is my salvation and my glory. He is the God of my help, and my hope is in God8All peoples gathered together: trust in him. Pour out your hearts in his sight. God is our helper for eternity9So, truly, the sons of men are untrustworthy. The sons of men are liars in the scales, so that, by emptiness, they may deceive among themselves10Do not trust in iniquity, and do not desire plunder. If riches flow toward you, do not be willing to set your heart on them11God has spoken once. I have heard two things: that power belongs to God12and that mercy belongs to you, O Lord. For you will repay each one according to his works
Gospel: Luke 6.6-11
6And it happened that, on another Sabbath, he entered into the synagogue, and he taught. And there was a man there, and his right hand was withered7And the scribes and Pharisees observed whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might thereby find an accusation against him8Yet truly, he knew their thoughts, and so he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Rise up and stand in the middle." And rising up, he stood still9Then Jesus said to them: "I ask you if it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good, or to do evil? To give health to a life, or to destroy it?10And looking around at everyone, he said to the man, "Extend your hand." And he extended it. And his hand was restored11Then they were filled with madness, and they discussed with one another, what, in particular, they might do about Jesus
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on compassion and service. The first reading from Colossians reveals Paul's joy in suffering for the Church, emphasizing that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ. This highlights the idea that true wisdom is rooted in selfless service and love. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict adherence to rules over human need, illustrating that compassion should always take precedence.
These readings connect through their emphasis on prioritizing love and service. Paul's suffering for the Church mirrors Jesus' compassionate act, showing that true faith is active and selfless. Both scenarios remind us that our actions should be guided by love, not just rule-following. This challenges us to reflect on how we balance rules with compassion in our daily lives.
The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived through acts of love and service. Just as Jesus healed on the Sabbath and Paul embraced suffering for others, we are called to prioritize the well-being of others, even when it's inconvenient. Let us strive to embody this compassion, allowing our actions to be guided by love and a willingness to serve, just as Christ did.