Daily Readings - Tue Sep 13 2022
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 remind us of the profound unity and diversity within the Body of Christ, as well as the compassionate power of God at work in the world. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul emphasizes that the Church is one body made up of many parts, each with its own unique role and gift. He reminds us that no part of the body can exist independently of the others; we are all interconnected and interdependent. This teaching challenges us to recognize the value of every person in the Church and to seek the greater gifts that build up the entire community.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a vivid scene of Jesus’ compassion and divine authority. As Jesus encounters a widow mourning the loss of her only son, he is moved by mercy and performs a miraculous act of raising the young man from death. This story highlights Jesus’ deep empathy for those suffering and his power to transform even the most desperate situations. The crowd’s response—fear, glorification of God, and recognition of Jesus as a prophet—reminds us that God’s actions in the world always point to his love and care for his people.
These readings invite us to reflect on our place within the Body of Christ and how we can live out our faith in a way that reflects God’s compassion and unity. Just as Jesus reached out to the widow and her son, we are called to be instruments of God’s mercy in the lives of others. Whether through our unique gifts, our prayers, or our acts of service, we are part of the larger story of God’s work in the world. Let us strive to live in unity and mutual support, trusting that God’s grace will flow through us to touch the lives of those around us.