Daily Readings - Wed Sep 04 2024
1 Corinthians
1And so, brothers, I was not able to speak to you as if to those who are spiritual, but rather as if to those who are carnal. For you are like infants in Christ2I gave you milk to drink, not solid food. For you were not yet able. And indeed, even now, you are not able; for you are still carnal3And since there is still envy and contention among you, are you not carnal, and are you not walking according to man4For if one says, "Certainly, I am of Paul," while another says, "I am of Apollo," are you not men? But what is Apollo, and what is Paul5We are only the ministers of him in whom you have believed, just as the Lord has granted to each of you6I planted, Apollo watered, but God provided the growth7And so, neither he who plants, nor he who waters, is anything, but only God, who provides the growth8Now he who plants, and he who waters, are one. But each shall receive his proper reward, according to his labors9For we are God’s assistants. You are God’s cultivation; you are God’s construction
Luke
38Then Jesus, rising up from the synagogue, entered into the house of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in the grip of a severe fever. And they petitioned him on her behalf39And standing over her, he commanded the fever, and it left her. And promptly rising up, she ministered to them40Then, when the sun had set, all those who had anyone afflicted with various diseases brought them to him. Then, laying his hands on each one of them, he cured them41Now demons departed from many of them, crying out and saying, "You are the son of God." And rebuking them, he would not permit them to speak. For they knew him to be the Christ42Then, when it was daytime, going out, he went to a deserted place. And the crowds sought him, and they went all the way to him. And they detained him, so that he would not depart from them43And he said to them, "I must also preach the kingdom of God to other cities, because it was for this reason that I was sent.44And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that while we may have different ministers and teachers in our faith journey, it is God who ultimately gives the growth. Paul uses the metaphor of planting and watering to illustrate that our efforts, though necessary, are secondary to God's divine action. This teaches us humility and trust in God's providence, urging us to move beyond divisions and focus on our shared mission.
The Gospel from Luke showcases Jesus' compassion and authority as He heals the sick and preaches the kingdom of God. Despite the demands of the crowd, Jesus remains committed to His mission, demonstrating that true service is rooted in love and dedication. His actions remind us that our faith should be active, reaching out to those in need and proclaiming the Good News.
Together, these readings call us to trust in God's power, seek unity, and live out our faith with compassion and commitment. Let us embrace our roles as instruments of God's work, knowing that He is the source of all growth and strength. In doing so, we find true fulfillment and purpose in our lives.