Daily Readings - Thu Sep 12 2024
1 Corinthians
1Now concerning those things that are sacrificed to idols: we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but charity builds up2But if anyone considers himself to know anything, he does not yet know in the way that he ought to know3For if anyone loves God, he is known by him4But as to the foods that are immolated to idols, we know that an idol in the world is nothing, and that no one is God, except One5For although there are things that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth, (if one even considers there to be many gods and many lords6yet we know that there is only one God, the Father, from whom all things are, and in whom we are, and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things are, and by whom we are7But knowledge is not in everyone. For some persons, even now, with consent to an idol, eat what has been sacrificed to an idol. And their conscience, being infirm, becomes polluted11And should an infirm brother perish by your knowledge, even though Christ died for him12So when you sin in this way against the brothers, and you harm their weakened conscience, then you sin against Christ13Because of this, if food leads my brother to sin, I will never eat meat, lest I lead my brother to sin
Luke
27But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you28Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who slander you29And to him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your tunic30But distribute to all who ask of you. And do not ask again of him who takes away what is yours31And exactly as you would want people to treat you, treat them also the same32And if you love those who love you, what credit is due to you? For even sinners love those who love them33And if you will do good to those who do good to you, what credit is due to you? Indeed, even sinners behave this way34And if you will loan to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is due to you? For even sinners lend to sinners, in order to receive the same in return35So truly, love your enemies. Do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return. And then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and to the wicked36Therefore, be merciful, just as your Father is also merciful37Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven38Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down and shaken together and overflowing, they will place upon your lap. Certainly, the same measure that you use to measure out, will be used to measure back to you again.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between knowledge, love, and our responsibility toward others. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that knowledge, while valuable, can sometimes lead to pride and division. He emphasizes that true understanding comes from charity, which builds up the community. Paul warns against using our freedom in ways that might harm others, especially the weaker or more sensitive members of the Body of Christ. He urges us to prioritize love and unity over personal preferences, even going so far as to say he would abstain from certain freedoms if it meant avoiding harm to his brother.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further. He calls us not only to avoid harming others but to actively love those who may oppose or wrong us. Jesus’ teachings in Luke 6 challenge us to move beyond mere tolerance or passivity. He asks us to embrace a radical way of living: to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to forgive without condition. This is not a suggestion but a command rooted in the nature of God, who is merciful and kind even to those who do not deserve it. Jesus reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we will be judged by the measure we use to measure others.
These readings remind us that our faith is not just about what we know or believe but about how we live. In a world often divided by conflict and self-interest, we are called to be different. We are called to love without expecting anything in return, to forgive without condition, and to put the needs of others before our own desires. This is not always easy, but it is the path to true holiness. Let us ask ourselves today: Are we using our knowledge and freedoms in ways that build up others, or are we causing harm? Are we striving to love as God loves, without limits or expectations? May we take Jesus’ words to heart and allow his mercy and love to shape our actions, that we might truly be sons and daughters of the Most High.