Daily Readings - Tue Sep 12 2023
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
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound truths of our faith and the transformative power of Christ in our lives. The first reading from Colossians urges us to live deeply rooted in Christ, avoiding the deceptive influences of the world. It emphasizes that in Christ, we are complete and have triumphed over all spiritual powers through His sacrifice on the cross. The second reading from Luke describes Jesus choosing the twelve apostles after a night of prayer and then healing many, showcasing His divine power and compassion.
Both readings highlight the centrality of Christ. While Colossians focuses on the spiritual reality of being in Christ, Luke illustrates the practical manifestation of His power and mission through the apostles and healing. This connection invites us to trust in Christ's power and to live as His disciples, grounded in faith amidst life's challenges.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to be instruments of Christ's grace and healing in the world. Let us remain rooted in faith, trusting in His power to guide and transform us. May we, like the apostles, embrace our mission to share His love and be His hands and feet in the world, bringing light and hope to all we encounter.