Daily Readings - Wed Sep 11 2024
1 Corinthians
1Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman17However, let each one walk just as the Lord has distributed to him, each one just as God has called him. And thus do I teach in all the churches25Now, concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord. But I give counsel, as one who has obtained the mercy of the Lord, so as to be faithful26Therefore, I consider this to be good, because of the present necessity: that it is good for a man to be such as I am27Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be freed. Are you free of a wife? Do not seek a wife28But if you take a wife, you have not sinned. And if a virgin has married, she has not sinned. Even so, such as these will have the tribulation of the flesh. But I would spare you from this29And so, this is what I say, brothers: The time is short. What remains of it is such that: those who have wives should be as if they had none30and those who weep, as though they were not weeping; and those who rejoice, as if they were not rejoicing; and those who buy, as if they possessed nothing31and those who use the things of this world, as if they were not using them. For the figure of this world is passing away
Luke
20And lifting up his eyes to his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God21Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who are weeping now, for you shall laugh22Blessed shall you be when men will have hated you, and when they will have separated you and reproached you, and thrown out your name as if evil, because of the Son of man23Be glad in that day and exult. For behold, your reward is great in heaven. For these same things their fathers did to the prophets24Yet truly, woe to you who are wealthy, for you have your consolation25Woe to you who are satisfied, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep26Woe to you when men will have blessed you. For these same things their fathers did to the false prophets
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on living a life detached from worldly concerns and focused on eternal values. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul addresses questions about marriage and celibacy, offering practical advice while emphasizing that our ultimate goal is to live as God has called us. He reminds us that the time is short and that we should not be overly attached to the things of this world, whether in relationships, possessions, or pleasures. His counsel is not about forbidding marriage or earthly joys but about living in a way that keeps our hearts free for God.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which challenge us to embrace a life of humility, detachment, and trust in God’s providence. He blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, not because these states are desirable in themselves, but because they dispose us to rely on God and seek true fulfillment in Him. Conversely, He warns those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now, for they may be too comfortable to seek God. Jesus is not condemning wealth or joy outright but urging us to recognize that true happiness comes from living in accordance with God’s will and loving others as He loves us.
These readings remind us that our lives should be shaped by a deeper perspective. Whether married or single, wealthy or poor, we are called to live with detachment, using the things of this world without being controlled by them. This means prioritizing love, compassion, and humility in our daily lives. Let us ask ourselves: Are we using the gifts God has given us to serve others and grow closer to Him, or are we letting worldly concerns distract us from what truly matters? May we embrace the simplicity and trust that Jesus and St. Paul teach, living each day with hearts open to God’s will and His kingdom.