Daily Readings - Wed Sep 03 2025
Colossians
1Paul, an Apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy, a brother2to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ Jesus who are at Colossae3Grace and peace to you, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying for you always4For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love that you have toward all the saints5because of the hope that has been stored up for you in heaven, which you have heard through the Word of Truth in the Gospel6This has reached you, just as it is present in the whole world, where it grows and bears fruit, as it has also done in you, since the day when you first heard and knew the grace of God in truth7just as you learned it from Epaphras, our most beloved fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ Jesus8And he has also manifested to us your love in the Spirit
Luke
38Then Jesus, rising up from the synagogue, entered into the house of Simon. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in the grip of a severe fever. And they petitioned him on her behalf39And standing over her, he commanded the fever, and it left her. And promptly rising up, she ministered to them40Then, when the sun had set, all those who had anyone afflicted with various diseases brought them to him. Then, laying his hands on each one of them, he cured them41Now demons departed from many of them, crying out and saying, "You are the son of God." And rebuking them, he would not permit them to speak. For they knew him to be the Christ42Then, when it was daytime, going out, he went to a deserted place. And the crowds sought him, and they went all the way to him. And they detained him, so that he would not depart from them43And he said to them, "I must also preach the kingdom of God to other cities, because it was for this reason that I was sent.44And he was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Colossians is a heartfelt thanksgiving from Paul, acknowledging the vibrant faith and love of the Colossian community. He emphasizes their hope in the Gospel and the fruitful spread of the Word through Epaphras, a faithful servant. This sets the tone for a community rooted in gratitude and spiritual growth.
The Gospel from Luke vividly portrays Jesus' ministry of healing and compassion. Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law, who then serves others, exemplifying faith in action. As the sun sets, Jesus heals many, demonstrating His divine authority. Despite the crowds' insistence for Him to stay, Jesus continues His mission to preach the kingdom of God elsewhere, showing unwavering commitment to His purpose.
These readings intertwine the themes of faith, service, and mission. Paul's gratitude mirrors the Colossians' active faith, while Jesus' healing miracles and persistent preaching illustrate living out one's purpose. For us, this means trusting God's plan, serving others selflessly, and fulfilling our unique mission. Let us embrace these lessons, nurturing our faith and actively sharing God's love in our daily lives, just as Jesus and the early Christians did.