Daily Readings - Mon Nov 13 2023

¹Love justice, you who judge the land. Think of the Lord in goodness and seek him in simplicity of heart²For he is found by those who do not test him, yet he reveals himself to those who have faith in him³For perverse thoughts separate from God. But his virtue, when it is tested, corrects the foolish⁴For wisdom will not enter into a malicious soul, nor dwell in a body subdued by sin⁵For the holy spirit of instruction will flee from falsehood, and he will withdraw himself from thoughts that are without understanding, and he will not be reached when iniquity overcomes⁶For the spirit of wisdom is benevolent, and will not release the evil speaker from his talk, because God is a witness of his temperament, and a true examiner of his heart, and an auditor of his words⁷For the spirit of the Lord has filled the world, and he who contains all things, retains knowledge of every voice

Luke

Chapter 17

¹And he said to his disciples: "It is impossible for scandals not to occur. But woe to him through whom they come²It would be better for him if a millstone were placed around his neck and he were thrown into the sea, than to lead astray one of these little ones³Be attentive to yourselves. If your brother has sinned against you, correct him. And if he has repented, forgive him⁴And if he has sinned against you seven times a day, and seven times a day has turned back to you, saying, ‘I am sorry,’ then forgive him.⁵And the Apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith.⁶But the Lord said: "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you may say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted, and be transplanted into the sea.’ And it would obey you

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of our relationship with God and with one another. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are reminded that wisdom is a gift from God, but it can only dwell in a heart that is pure and sincere. The author warns that wisdom flees from malice and falsehood, emphasizing that our thoughts and actions must align with God’s justice and love. This passage encourages us to seek God with simplicity and faith, trusting that He reveals Himself to those who are genuine in their pursuit of Him. In the Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of living with integrity and compassion. He warns against causing scandals, especially those that lead others astray, and He emphasizes the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. When the disciples ask for increased faith, Jesus responds by highlighting the power of even the smallest amount of faith, using the striking image of a mulberry tree being uprooted and cast into the sea. This teaching reminds us that faith, no matter how small, can accomplish great things when it is rooted in trust and obedience to God’s will. Together, these readings challenge us to examine our lives and relationships. Are we seeking God with sincerity, or are we allowing malice and pride to separate us from Him? Are we living in a way that avoids harming others and fosters reconciliation? The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived out in purity of heart and in service to others. Let us ask for the grace to cultivate wisdom and to grow in faith, trusting that God will guide us in our daily lives and help us to live as His disciples.