Daily Readings - Wed Sep 12 2018
1 Corinthians
1Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman17However, let each one walk just as the Lord has distributed to him, each one just as God has called him. And thus do I teach in all the churches25Now, concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord. But I give counsel, as one who has obtained the mercy of the Lord, so as to be faithful26Therefore, I consider this to be good, because of the present necessity: that it is good for a man to be such as I am27Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be freed. Are you free of a wife? Do not seek a wife28But if you take a wife, you have not sinned. And if a virgin has married, she has not sinned. Even so, such as these will have the tribulation of the flesh. But I would spare you from this29And so, this is what I say, brothers: The time is short. What remains of it is such that: those who have wives should be as if they had none30and those who weep, as though they were not weeping; and those who rejoice, as if they were not rejoicing; and those who buy, as if they possessed nothing31and those who use the things of this world, as if they were not using them. For the figure of this world is passing away
Luke
20And lifting up his eyes to his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God21Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who are weeping now, for you shall laugh22Blessed shall you be when men will have hated you, and when they will have separated you and reproached you, and thrown out your name as if evil, because of the Son of man23Be glad in that day and exult. For behold, your reward is great in heaven. For these same things their fathers did to the prophets24Yet truly, woe to you who are wealthy, for you have your consolation25Woe to you who are satisfied, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep26Woe to you when men will have blessed you. For these same things their fathers did to the false prophets
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound teachings from St. Paul and Jesus that invite us to reflect on our relationship with the world and our commitment to living a life centered on God. The First Reading from 1 Corinthians offers practical advice about marriage and celibacy, emphasizing that while marriage is a noble vocation, remaining single allows for a singular focus on God. Paul encourages believers to live in a way that is undivided in their devotion to the Lord, recognizing that the present time is short and that the world's allurements are fleeting. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus' Beatitudes, where He turns societal norms upside down by pronouncing blessings on those who are poor, hungry, and sorrowful, while issuing warnings to the wealthy and content. Jesus calls His followers to a radical way of life, one that values spiritual wealth over material comfort.
These readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on detachment and trust in God. Paul urges us to live in a way that is not controlled by worldly concerns, whether in marriage or singleness, while Jesus challenges us to reevaluate our understanding of true happiness and fulfillment. Both readings remind us that our ultimate treasure lies in God, not in the things of this world. The Beatitudes and Paul's counsel both call us to live with a sense of detachment, not because the world is inherently bad, but because our hearts must belong fully to God. This detachment allows us to live with freedom, joy, and generosity, unencumbered by the burdens of greed or selfishness.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, we are invited to examine our priorities and values. Are we living in a way that reflects a deep trust in God's providence, or are we overly attached to material security and comfort? Do we recognize the blessings in our struggles and sorrows, or do we allow them to lead us to despair? The moral lesson here is clear: true happiness and fulfillment come from living a life of faith, humility, and love. Let us strive to live in such a way that our hearts are free to love God and neighbor without reservation, trusting that He will provide for our needs and guide us through life's challenges. In doing so, we will find the true peace and joy that the world cannot give.