Daily Readings - Sat Sep 09 2023
Colossians
21And you, though you had been, in times past, understood to be foreigners and enemies, with works of evil22yet now he has reconciled you, by his body of flesh, through death, so as to offer you, holy and immaculate and blameless, before him23So then, continue in the faith: well-founded and steadfast and immovable, by the hope of the Gospel that you have heard, which has been preached throughout all creation under heaven, the Gospel of which I, Paul, have become a minister
Luke
1Now it happened that, on the second first Sabbath, as he passed through the grain field, his disciples were separating the ears of grain and eating them, by rubbing them in their hands2Then certain Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful on the Sabbaths?3And responding to them, Jesus said: "Have you not read this, what David did when he was hungry, and those who were with him4How he entered into the house of God, and took the bread of the Presence, and ate it, and gave it to those who were with him, though it is not lawful for anyone to eat it, except the priests alone?5And he said to them, "For the Son of man is Lord, even of the Sabbath.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful themes of reconciliation and freedom through faith. The first reading from Colossians reminds us that through Christ's sacrifice, we are reconciled to God, becoming holy and blameless. This reconciliation calls us to a steadfast faith, rooted in the hope of the Gospel. The second reading from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees' strict interpretation of the Sabbath, emphasizing that human needs and compassion should not be overshadowed by rigid rules.
Both readings highlight the freedom Christ brings. Colossians focuses on freedom from sin and alienation, urging us to remain faithful. Luke illustrates freedom from legalism, showing that faith should be lived with compassion. Jesus's authority over the Sabbath underscores that our actions should be guided by love and mercy rather than just rules.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to balance faith with practical acts of kindness. Our steadfastness in faith should lead us to serve others with love, prioritizing compassion over strict adherence to rules. The moral lesson is clear: our faith should inspire us to live with love and understanding, reflecting the reconciliation and freedom we have in Christ. Let us embrace this freedom, living out our faith with hearts full of love and service.