Daily Readings - Tue Sep 17 2024
1 Corinthians
12For just as the body is one, and yet has many parts, so all the parts of the body, though they are many, are only one body. So also is Christ13And indeed, in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether servant or free. And we all drank in the one Spirit14For the body, too, is not one part, but many27Now you are the body of Christ, and parts like any part28And indeed, God has established a certain order in the Church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, next miracle-workers, and then the grace of healing, of helping others, of governing, of different kinds of languages, and of the interpretation of words29Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers30Are all workers of miracles? Do all have the grace of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret31But be zealous for the better charisms. And I reveal to you a yet more excellent way
Luke
11And it happened afterwards that he went to a city, which is called Nain. And his disciples, and an abundant crowd, went with him12Then, when he had drawn near to the gate of the city, behold, a deceased person was being carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the city was with her13And when the Lord had seen her, being moved by mercy over her, he said to her, "Do not weep.14And he drew near and touched the coffin. Then those who carried it stood still. And he said, "Young man, I say to you, arise.15And the dead youth sat up and began to speak. And he gave him to his mother16Then fear fell over all of them. And they magnified God, saying: "For a great prophet has risen up among us," and, "For God has visited his people.17And this word about him went out to all of Judea and to the entire surrounding region
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful reminders of our unity in Christ and the transformative power of compassion. The first reading from 1 Corinthians emphasizes that the Church is one body with many parts, each gifted differently but equally essential. Paul reminds us that these gifts are not for personal glory but for the common good, urging us to strive for the greater gifts that build up the community. This passage calls us to recognize our unique roles within the body of Christ and to use our talents selflessly for the benefit of all.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene of Jesus' compassion. As He encounters a widow mourning her only son, He is moved by her sorrow and performs a miracle, restoring life to her child. This act not only demonstrates Jesus' divine authority but also reveals His deep empathy for those suffering. The crowd's reaction—fear and glorification of God—reminds us that God's power is often revealed in moments of human vulnerability. This passage invites us to trust in God's providence, even in the face of death and loss, and to approach life with the same compassion Jesus showed.
Together, these readings challenge us to live as the body of Christ, valuing our diversity and using our gifts to serve others. They remind us that our faith is not just about individual holiness but about building up the community and bringing hope to those around us. Let us ask ourselves: How am I using my gifts to serve others? How can I show the same compassion Jesus showed to the widow? May we strive to live as one body, united in love and service, and may we trust in God's power to bring life out of death.