Daily Readings - Thu Sep 12 2019
Colossians
12Therefore, clothe yourselves like the elect of God: holy and beloved, with hearts of mercy, kindness, humility, modesty, and patience13Support one another, and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive one another. For just as the Lord has forgiven you, so also must you do14And above all these things have charity, which is the bond of perfection15And let the peace of Christ lift up your hearts. For in this peace, you have been called, as one body. And be thankful16Let the word of Christ live in you in abundance, with all wisdom, teaching and correcting one another, with psalms, hymns, and spiritual canticles, singing to God with the grace in your hearts17Let everything whatsoever that you do, whether in word or in deed, be done all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him
Luke
27But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you28Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who slander you29And to him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your tunic30But distribute to all who ask of you. And do not ask again of him who takes away what is yours31And exactly as you would want people to treat you, treat them also the same32And if you love those who love you, what credit is due to you? For even sinners love those who love them33And if you will do good to those who do good to you, what credit is due to you? Indeed, even sinners behave this way34And if you will loan to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is due to you? For even sinners lend to sinners, in order to receive the same in return35So truly, love your enemies. Do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return. And then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and to the wicked36Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father is also merciful37Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven38Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down and shaken together and overflowing, they will place upon your lap. Certainly, the same measure that you use to measure out, will be used to measure back to you again.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of living a virtuous life. The letter to the Colossians urges us to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, and humility, emphasizing forgiveness and charity as bonds of perfection. This is not just a moral code but a call to embody the peace of Christ, making every action a thanksgiving to God. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to love our enemies, lend without expectation, and avoid judgment, highlighting the merciful nature of our Heavenly Father.
The context of these readings is rooted in community and discipleship. Colossians addresses a community striving to live as new creations in Christ, facing challenges that test their unity and faith. Luke’s passage is part of the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus sets a high standard for His followers, encouraging them to go beyond societal norms and embrace radical love and mercy.
Both readings intertwine the themes of virtue, forgiveness, and mercy, urging us to transcend ordinary standards. They call us to a life that reflects God’s merciful nature, transforming our interactions and fostering a community of love and compassion.
Applying these teachings in daily life might mean being kind to a difficult coworker, forgiving a family member, or refraining from judgment on social media. Each interaction is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, creating ripples of kindness in our circles.
The moral lesson is clear: our transformation through these virtues is not just individual but communal. By living as Christ taught, we become His likeness, changing not only ourselves but the world around us. This journey of love and mercy is our path to true discipleship, leading us closer to God and to each other.