Daily Readings - Tue Sep 09 2025
Colossians
6Therefore, just as you have received the Lord Jesus Christ, walk in him7Be rooted and continually built up in Christ. And be confirmed in the faith, just as you have also learned it, increasing in him with acts of thanksgiving8See to it that no one deceives you through philosophy and empty falsehoods, as found in the traditions of men, in accord with the influences of the world, and not in accord with Christ9For in him, all the fullness of the Divine Nature dwells bodily10And in him, you have been filled; for he is the head of all principality and power11In him also, you have been circumcised with a circumcision not made by hand, not by the despoiling of the body of flesh, but by the circumcision of Christ12You have been buried with him in baptism. In him also, you have risen again through faith, by the work of God, who raised him up from the dead13And when you were dead in your transgressions and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he enlivened you, together with him, forgiving you of all transgressions14and wiping away the handwriting of the decree which was against us, which was contrary to us. And he has taken this away from your midst, affixing it to the Cross15And so, despoiling principalities and powers, he has led them away confidently and openly, triumphing over them in himself
Luke
12And it happened that, in those days, he went out to a mountain to pray. And he was in the prayer of God throughout the night13And when daylight had arrived, he called his disciples. And he chose twelve out of them (whom he also named Apostles)14Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew15Matthew and Thomas, James of Alphaeus, and Simon who is called the Zealot16and Jude of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor17And descending with them, he stood in a level place with a multitude of his disciples, and a copious multitude of people from all of Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast, and Tyre and Sidon18who had come so that they might listen to him and be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled by unclean spirits were cured19And the entire crowd was trying to touch him, because power went out from him and healed all
Sermon
In today's readings, we find profound insights into the nature of our faith and our relationship with God. The first reading from Colossians reminds us to root ourselves in Christ, avoiding the pitfalls of worldly philosophies. It emphasizes that our true strength and identity come from Him, who has triumphed over all powers through His sacrifice on the Cross. The Gospel from Luke illustrates Jesus' deep connection with God through prayer, leading Him to select His apostles and embark on a mission of healing and teaching. This highlights the importance of prayer in aligning our actions with God's will.
Both readings encourage us to trust in God's plan rather than relying solely on human understanding. Colossians warns against being swayed by false teachings, urging us to stay firm in our faith. Luke's account shows Jesus' trust in God, demonstrated through prayer and His compassionate ministry. This balance of trust and action is a model for our daily lives, reminding us to seek God's guidance while actively living out our faith.
The moral lesson here is the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual foundation. Just as Jesus was both in prayer and in service, we too should cultivate a deep prayer life and be open to God's healing grace. By trusting in God and staying true to our faith, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence and compassion, reflecting Christ's love in all we do.