Daily Readings - Tue Sep 04 2018
1 Corinthians
10these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.11For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.12Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.13And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.14The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.15The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.16"For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ.
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 encounter profound truths about the nature of God's revelation and the authority that comes from the Spirit. The First Reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that the Spirit of God reveals divine truths to us, truths that surpass human wisdom. Paul emphasizes that without the Spirit, we cannot grasp the depths of God's mysteries. This passage invites us to humbly acknowledge our reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding and guidance in our faith journey.
The Gospel from Luke vividly illustrates Jesus' authority, both in His teaching and in His power over evil spirits. When Jesus casts out the demon, the people are amazed, recognizing that His authority comes not from human skill but from God. This episode shows us that true power and wisdom are gifts from the Father, and they are meant to bring liberation and hope to those bound by sin and fear.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to trust in the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives. Just as Jesus acted with authority, we too can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that the Spirit equips us to discern and act according to God's will. Let us pray for the grace to embrace spiritual wisdom and to live as people of faith, trusting in God's plan and power in all we do.