Daily Readings - Mon Sep 23 2024
Proverbs
27Do not prevent him who is able from doing good. When you are able, do good yourself too28Do not say to your friend: "Go away, and then return. Tomorrow I will give to you." When you are able to do so, give in the present29Do not undertake evil against your friend, even though he has trust in you30Do not contend against a man without cause, even though he has done no evil to you31Do not rival an unjust man, and do not imitate his ways32For everyone who ridicules is an abomination to the Lord, and his communication is for the simple33Destitution in the house of the impious is from the Lord. But the habitations of the just shall be blessed34He will ridicule those who ridicule, but he will bestow grace upon the mild
Luke
16Now no one, lighting a candle, covers it with a container, or sets it under a bed. Instead, he places it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light17For there is nothing secret, which will not be made clear, nor is there anything hidden, which will not be known and be brought into plain sight18Therefore, take care how you listen. For whoever has, it will be given to him; and whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on our responsibilities and attitudes in living out our faith. The First Reading from Proverbs urges us to act with integrity and timely action, avoiding procrastination in doing good and refraining from plotting against others. It emphasizes trust in God's judgment, where the just will be blessed and the unjust will face ridicule. The Gospel from Luke uses the metaphor of a candle to highlight the importance of being open and receptive to God's Word, warning that our response determines what we receive.
Both readings stress the importance of our actions and attitudes. Proverbs focuses on actively doing good and maintaining integrity, while Luke's parable emphasizes openness to God's message. Together, they remind us that our choices have consequences, both in our relationships with others and in our spiritual lives.
In daily life, these teachings encourage us to act with integrity, not delaying in doing good, and to be mindful of how we receive and share God's truth. The moral lesson is clear: living responsibly and being open to God's Word leads us to a life of virtue and spiritual growth.