Daily Readings - Fri Sep 20 2024
1 Corinthians
12Now if Christ is preached, that he rose again from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead13For if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not risen14And if Christ has not risen, then our preaching is useless, and your faith is also useless15Then, too, we would be found to be false witnesses of God, because we would have given testimony against God, saying that he had raised up Christ, when he had not raised him up, if, indeed, the dead do not rise again16For if the dead do not rise again, then neither has Christ risen again17But if Christ has not risen, then your faith is vain; for you would still be in your sins18Then, too, those who have fallen asleep in Christ would have perished19If we have hope in Christ for this life only, then we are more miserable than all men20But now Christ has risen again from the dead, as the first-fruits of those who sleep
Luke
1And it happened afterwards that he was making a journey through the cities and towns, preaching and evangelizing the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him2along with certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, who is called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had departed3and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many other women, who were ministering to him from their resources
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the heart of our Christian faith and the call to live as witnesses of God’s love. The first reading from 1 Corinthians 15 emphasizes the centrality of the Resurrection of Christ. St. Paul makes it clear that if there is no resurrection, then Christ’s rising from the dead is meaningless, and our faith is in vain. He stresses that the Resurrection is not just a distant hope but the very foundation of our belief. Without it, our preaching and faith are empty, and we would be false witnesses to God’s power. Yet, Paul concludes with a triumphant declaration: Christ has indeed risen, and this truth transforms everything.
The Gospel from Luke 8 gives us a glimpse into the missionary journey of Jesus and the community that surrounded him. We see Jesus traveling through cities and towns, preaching the kingdom of God, accompanied by the Twelve Apostles and several women who had been healed and supported him financially. This passage highlights the diverse and inclusive nature of the early Christian community. The women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, play a significant role in sustaining Jesus’ mission. Their presence reminds us that everyone—regardless of gender, background, or past—has a part to play in spreading the Good News.
These readings call us to reflect on our own faith and witness. Just as the Resurrection is the cornerstone of our belief, it must also be the foundation of our daily lives. We are called to live with hope, knowing that Christ’s victory over death gives us the strength to face any challenge. Like the women in Luke’s Gospel, we are invited to use our unique gifts and resources to support the mission of the Church. Let us strive to be living witnesses of the Resurrection, sharing its transformative power with a world in need of hope. May our lives proclaim the truth that Christ has risen, and may we, like St. Paul, never tire of declaring this Good News to all.