Daily Readings - Tue Sep 05 2017
1 Thessalonians
1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.2For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.3While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.5For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.6So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.9For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,10who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.11Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Luke
31And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath,32and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.33And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,34"Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God."35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.36And they were all amazed and said to one another, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!"37And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of vigilance and trust in God's plan. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians urges us to be prepared for the Day of the Lord, which comes unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. It encourages us to stay alert, as we are children of light, and to support one another in our faith journey. The Gospel from Luke illustrates Jesus' authority and power as He casts out a demon, demonstrating His divine power and the reason for our hope.
The context of these readings is rooted in early Christian communities preparing for the Second Coming and witnessing the manifestation of Jesus' divine authority. The Thessalonians were reassured that their destiny is salvation through Jesus, not wrath, while the people in Capernaum experienced firsthand Jesus' power over evil spirits. These events highlight the contrast between darkness and light, emphasizing our role as believers to live with awareness and trust in God's plan.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain vigilant and mindful, trusting in Jesus' authority. Just as Jesus demonstrated power over evil, we can face life's challenges with confidence in His presence. We are called to live as children of light, supporting one another and staying alert, knowing that our ultimate hope is in salvation through Christ. This teaches us to approach each day with purpose and trust, embodying the light of Christ in our actions and interactions.