Daily Readings - Tue Sep 18 2018
1 Corinthians
12For just as the body is one, and yet has many parts, so all the parts of the body, though they are many, are only one body. So also is Christ13And indeed, in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether servant or free. And we all drank in the one Spirit14For the body, too, is not one part, but many27Now you are the body of Christ, and parts like any part28And indeed, God has established a certain order in the Church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, next miracle-workers, and then the grace of healing, of helping others, of governing, of different kinds of languages, and of the interpretation of words29Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers30Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the grace of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret31But be zealous for the better charisms. And I reveal to you a yet more excellent way
Luke
11And it happened afterwards that he went to a city, which is called Nain. And his disciples, and an abundant crowd, went with him12Then, when he had drawn near to the gate of the city, behold, a deceased person was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her13And when the Lord had seen her, being moved by mercy over her, he said to her, "Do not weep.14And he drew near and touched the coffin. Then those who carried it stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise.15And the dead youth sat up and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother16Then fear fell over all of them. And they magnified God, saying: "For a great prophet has risen up among us," and, "For God has visited his people.17And this word about him went out to all of Judea and to the entire surrounding region
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of the Church and the compassionate heart of Christ. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, composed of many diverse parts, each with its own unique role and gift. He emphasizes that while not all members have the same function, every part is essential for the well-being of the whole. This teaching calls us to recognize and appreciate the diversity within the Church, while also striving for unity in our shared mission to follow Christ.
In the Gospel, Luke presents us with a powerful story of Jesus’ compassion. Moved by the sorrow of a widow who has lost her only son, Jesus performs a miracle, raising the young man from death. This passage reveals the depth of God’s love and mercy, as well as the transformative power of faith. The crowd’s reaction—glorifying God and recognizing Jesus as a prophet—reminds us that our encounters with God’s mercy should lead us to praise and trust in His providence.
These readings are connected by the theme of life-giving love. Just as Christ’s compassion brought new life to the widow’s son, the Church, as the body of Christ, is called to bring life and hope to the world. Each of us, with our unique gifts and roles, is part of this mission. Let us ask ourselves: How can we, like Christ, show mercy and care for those around us? How can we use our talents to build up the body of Christ and bring light to a world in need? May we strive to live as true members of Christ’s body, united in love and dedicated to serving one another.