Daily Readings - Wed Sep 10 2025
Colossians
1Therefore, if you have risen together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God2Consider the things that are above, not the things that are upon the earth3For you have died, and so your life is hidden with Christ in God4When Christ, your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory5Therefore, mortify your body, while it is upon the earth. For because of fornication, impurity, lust, evil desires, and avarice, which are a kind of service to idols6the wrath of God has overwhelmed the sons of unbelief7You, too, walked in these things, in times past, when you were living among them8But now you must set aside all these things: anger, indignation, malice, blasphemy, and indecent speech from your mouth9Do not lie to one another. Strip yourselves of the old man, with his deeds10and clothe yourself with the new man, who has been renewed by knowledge, in accord with the image of the One who created him11where there is neither Gentile nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian nor Scythian, servant nor free. Instead, Christ is everything, in everyone
Luke
20And lifting up his eyes to his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God21Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who are weeping now, for you shall laugh22Blessed shall you be when men will have hated you, and when they will have separated you and reproached you, and thrown out your name as if evil, because of the Son of man23Be glad in that day and exult. For behold, your reward is great in heaven. For these same things their fathers did to the prophets24Yet truly, woe to you who are wealthy, for you have your consolation25Woe to you who are satisfied, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep26Woe to you when men will have blessed you. For these same things their fathers did to the false prophets
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on our spiritual identity and the values that guide our lives. The first reading from Colossians encourages us to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. It reminds us that our old way of life, marked by sin and division, has been set aside, and we are now called to live as new creations in Christ. This passage emphasizes unity in Christ, where distinctions like Gentile or Jew, slave or free, no longer matter. Instead, Christ is everything to everyone.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus’ Beatitudes, which challenge our worldly notions of happiness and success. Jesus blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, promising them comfort and fulfillment in God’s kingdom. At the same time, he warns those who are wealthy, well-fed, and laughing now, for their current comfort will turn to hunger and sorrow. This reversal underscores the idea that true blessedness comes not from earthly prosperity but from a humble and compassionate heart.
Together, these readings call us to reevaluate our priorities and live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God. We are to let go of earthly desires and divisions and instead embrace a life of unity, humility, and trust in God’s promises. In a world that often values wealth and status, these readings remind us that our true worth is found in Christ. Let us strive to live with hearts open to God’s transformative grace, trusting that our ultimate reward lies not in this life but in the eternal kingdom of God.