Daily Readings - Mon Sep 11 2023
Colossians
24For now I rejoice in my passion on your behalf, and I complete in my flesh the things that are lacking in the Passion of Christ, for the sake of his body, which is the Church25For I have become a minister of the Church, according to the dispensation of God that has been given to me among you, so that I may fulfill the Word of God26the mystery which had remained hidden to past ages and generations, but which now is manifested to his saints27To them, God willed to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ and the hope of his glory within you28We are announcing him, correcting every man and teaching every man, with all wisdom, so that we may offer every man perfect in Christ Jesus29In him, too, I labor, striving according to his action within me, which he works in virtue
1For I want you to know the kind of solicitude that I have for you, and for those who are at Laodicea, as well as for those who have not seen my face in the flesh2May their hearts be consoled and instructed in charity, with all the riches of a plenitude of understanding, with knowledge of the mystery of God the Father and of Christ Jesus3For in him are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge
Luke
6And it happened that, on another Sabbath, he entered into the synagogue, and he taught. And there was a man there, and his right hand was withered7And the scribes and Pharisees observed whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might thereby find an accusation against him8Yet truly, he knew their thoughts, and so he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Rise up and stand in the middle." And rising up, he stood still9Then Jesus said to them: "I ask you if it is lawful on the Sabbaths to do good, or to do evil? To give health to a life, or to destroy it?10And looking around at everyone, he said to the man, "Extend your hand." And he extended it. And his hand was restored11Then they were filled with madness, and they discussed with one another, what, in particular, they might do about Jesus
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of God’s plan and the call to live out our faith with courage and compassion. In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul speaks of his own sufferings and his mission to make known the mystery of Christ, which has been revealed to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ, and he labors to bring others to maturity in faith. This passage reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, and we are all called to participate in its mission. Paul’s words also highlight the importance of understanding the depth of God’s plan and living in accordance with it.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus confronting the Pharisees and scribes on the Sabbath. While they are focused on legalistic interpretations of the law, Jesus reveals the true spirit of the Sabbath by healing a man with a withered hand. His question, “Is it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath?” cuts to the heart of what it means to live a life pleasing to God. Jesus’ actions show that love and compassion should always take precedence over rigid rules. This encounter also foreshadows the growing opposition Jesus will face, as the Pharisees begin to plot against him.
These readings are connected by the theme of living out God’s plan in the face of challenges. Paul endures suffering for the sake of the Church, while Jesus challenges the status quo to bring healing and hope. Both remind us that following Christ requires courage and a willingness to stand against the forces of division and hardness of heart. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this same spirit. Let us ask ourselves: Are we open to the mystery of God’s plan? Do we allow love and compassion to guide our actions, even when it is difficult? May we, like Paul and Jesus, trust in God’s wisdom and work to bring healing and hope to those around us.