Daily Readings - Tue Sep 07 2021
Colossians
6Therefore, just as you have received the Lord Jesus Christ, walk in him7Be rooted and continually built up in Christ. And be confirmed in the faith, just as you have also learned it, increasing in him with acts of thanksgiving8See to it that no one deceives you through philosophy and empty falsehoods, as found in the traditions of men, in accord with the influences of the world, and not in accord with Christ9For in him, all the fullness of the Divine Nature dwells bodily10And in him, you have been filled; for he is the head of all principality and power11In him also, you have been circumcised with a circumcision not made by hand, not by the despoiling of the body of flesh, but by the circumcision of Christ12You have been buried with him in baptism. In him also, you have risen again through faith, by the work of God, who raised him up from the dead13And when you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he enlivened you, together with him, forgiving you of all transgressions14and wiping away the handwriting of the decree which was against us, which was contrary to us. And he has taken this away from your midst, affixing it to the Cross15And so, despoiling principalities and powers, he has led them away confidently and openly, triumphing over them in himself
Luke
12And it happened that, in those days, he went out to a mountain to pray. And he was in the prayer of God throughout the night13And when daylight had arrived, he called his disciples. And he chose twelve out of them (whom he also named Apostles)14Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew15Matthew and Thomas, James of Alphaeus, and Simon who is called the Zealot16and Jude of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor17And descending with them, he stood in a level place with a multitude of his disciples, and a copious multitude of people from all of Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast, and Tyre and Sidon18who had come so that they might listen to him and be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled by unclean spirits were cured19And the entire crowd was trying to touch him, because power went out from him and healed all
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound connection between faith, identity, and the transformative power of Christ in our lives. In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul emphasizes the importance of being rooted in Christ and living out our faith with gratitude and authenticity. He warns against the dangers of being swayed by empty philosophies and worldly influences, reminding us that true fulfillment comes only through Christ, who is the head of all creation. Through baptism, we have been united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and our sins have been forgiven. This passage calls us to live in a way that reflects our new life in Christ, free from the burdens of sin and the false promises of the world.
In the Gospel, Luke describes Jesus’ prayerful selection of the Twelve Apostles and his ministry of healing and compassion. Jesus’ decision to choose these ordinary men as his closest disciples underscores God’s preference for the humble and the unlikely. The crowd that gathers around Jesus is drawn not only by his miracles but by the power of his presence, which touches hearts and heals lives. This passage reminds us that our faith is not just about doctrine or rituals but about a living relationship with Christ, who has the power to transform us and the world around us.
Together, these readings encourage us to deepen our relationship with Christ and to live as his disciples in the world. Like the Colossians, we must resist the pull of secularism and materialism, grounding ourselves instead in the truth of the Gospel. Like the crowd in Luke’s Gospel, we are called to approach Christ with openness and faith, trusting in his power to heal and transform us. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that we are rooted in Christ and that his power flows through us. May we live with gratitude, humility, and a commitment to sharing the love and light of Christ with all we meet.