Daily Readings - Tue Sep 01 2020
1 Corinthians
10But God has revealed these things to us through his Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God11And who can know the things that are of a man, except the spirit which is within that man? So also, no one knows the things which are of God, except the Spirit of God12But we have not received the spirit of this world, but the Spirit who is of God, so that we may understand the things that have been given to us by God13And we are also speaking of these things, not in the learned words of human wisdom, but in the doctrine of the Spirit, bringing spiritual things together with spiritual things14But the animal nature of man does not perceive these things that are of the Spirit of God. For it is foolishness to him, and he is not able to understand it, because it must be examined spiritually15But the spiritual nature of man judges all things, and he himself may be judged by no man16For who has known the mind of the Lord, so that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ
Luke
31And he descended to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And there he taught them on the Sabbaths32And they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was spoken with authority33And in the synagogue, there was a man who had an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice34saying: "Let us alone. What are we to you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God.35And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and depart from him." And when the demon had thrown him into their midst, he departed from him, and he no longer harmed him36And fear fell over them all. And they discussed this among themselves, saying: "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they depart.37And his fame spread to every place in the region
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound relationship between the Holy Spirit, divine wisdom, and the authority of Christ. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul emphasizes that the truths of God are not accessible through human wisdom alone but are revealed by the Holy Spirit. He contrasts the "animal nature of man," which cannot grasp spiritual realities, with the "spiritual nature" that, through the Spirit, can discern all things. This passage reminds us that our understanding of God’s ways is a gift, one that requires openness to the Holy Spirit.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus teaching in Capernaum with authority, demonstrating His power over evil spirits. When the unclean demon is cast out, the people are struck by the authority of His word. This passage highlights the connection between the Spirit of God and the authority of Christ. Just as the Spirit reveals divine truths to us, Christ’s authority flows from His union with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Together, these readings remind us that true wisdom and power come not from human effort but from the Spirit of God.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to humility and openness. Like the Corinthians, we must recognize that our understanding of God’s will is not our own doing but a grace given by the Spirit. Like the people in Capernaum, we must be in awe of the power of Christ and seek to align our lives with His authority. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to deepen our discernment, to help us see the world through the eyes of faith, and to live with the confidence that comes from knowing we are sons and daughters of God.