Daily Readings - Tue Sep 20 2022
Proverbs
1Just as with the dividing of the waters, so also is the heart of the king in the hand of the Lord. He shall bend it whichever way he wills2Every way of a man seems right to himself. But the Lord weighs hearts3To do mercy and judgment is more pleasing to the Lord than sacrifices4To lift up the eyes is to enlarge the heart. The lamp of the impious is sin5The intentions of the robust continually bring forth abundance. But all the lazy are continually in need6Whoever gathers treasures by a lying tongue is vain and heartless. And he will stumble into the snares of death10The soul of the impious desires evil; he will not take pity on his neighbor11When the pestilent is punished, a little one will become wiser. And if he pursues what is wise, he will receive knowledge12The just thinks carefully about the house of the impious, so that he may draw the impious away from evil13Whoever blocks his ears to the outcry of the poor shall also cry out himself, and he will not be heeded
Luke
19Then his mother and brothers came to him; but they were not able to go to him because of the crowd20And it was reported to him, "Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.21And in response, he said to them, "My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between faith, action, and the true meaning of family. In the first reading from Proverbs, we are reminded that true wisdom lies not in wealth or power, but in living a life of mercy, justice, and integrity. The passage warns against the dangers of selfishness and laziness, emphasizing that our actions have consequences. It also highlights the importance of discernment and compassion, urging us to listen to the cries of the poor and to act with justice.
In the Gospel, Jesus expands our understanding of family beyond biological ties. When his mother and brothers cannot reach him due to the crowd, he declares that his true family consists of those who hear the word of God and put it into practice. This teaching challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and relationships. Jesus is not dismissing his biological family, but he is emphasizing that spiritual kinship is rooted in obedience to God’s will. This is a call to live out our faith in tangible ways, just as the first reading encourages us to act with mercy and justice.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith must be lived out in our daily lives. It is not enough to claim a relationship with God if our actions do not reflect His love and justice. Let us ask ourselves: Are we truly hearing and doing the word of God? Are we living with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to justice? May we strive to be part of Jesus’ true family by living out our faith in love and service to others.