Daily Readings - Sat Sep 16 2017
1 Timothy
15The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.16But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.17To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luke
43"For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,44for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.45The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.46"Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?47Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like:48he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built.49But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of God's mercy and the call to live out our faith authentically. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, Paul humbly acknowledges himself as the foremost of sinners, yet he testifies to the boundless mercy of Christ, who came to save even him. This mercy, Paul emphasizes, is not just a personal gift but a call to patience and instruction for others, revealing the universal offer of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with Jesus' parable of the tree and its fruit, underscoring that the quality of the fruit reveals the nature of the tree. Jesus then illustrates the importance of acting on His teachings through the parable of the house built on rock versus sand. This teaching emphasizes that true discipleship is not merely about hearing the word but about living it out, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith.
These readings remind us that faith and mercy are not static; they must be lived out dynamically. In our daily lives, we are called to be mindful of how our actions reflect our beliefs. Let us ask ourselves: Do we merely hear the word, or do we allow it to transform our lives? The moral lesson is clear—integrity between belief and action is essential. As we navigate our lives, may we build our spiritual houses on the rock of Christ's teachings, ensuring that our faith is not just proclaimed but lived out in love and service.