Daily Readings - Tue Sep 25 2018
Proverbs
1The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.2Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.3To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.4Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.5The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.6The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.10The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.11When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.12The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked; he throws the wicked down to ruin.13Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of true wisdom, justice, and the bonds that unite us as children of God. In the first reading from Proverbs, we are reminded that true wisdom lies not in wealth or power, but in living a life of mercy, justice, and integrity. The passage warns against the dangers of greed, laziness, and sin, emphasizing that our actions have consequences. It also highlights the importance of discernment, urging us to think carefully about the choices we make and the company we keep. The just, we are told, will draw others away from evil, while those who turn a blind ear to the suffering of the poor will ultimately suffer themselves.
In the Gospel, Jesus expands our understanding of family and community. When his mother and brothers cannot reach him due to the crowd, Jesus responds by redefining who his true family is: those who hear the word of God and put it into practice. This teaching challenges us to see beyond biological ties and to recognize that our spiritual family is just as real. It calls us to live in a way that reflects God’s love and will, prioritizing faith and action over mere association or convenience.
Together, these readings remind us that our relationship with God is not just about words or rituals, but about how we live. True wisdom and justice are not abstract concepts but are lived out in our daily choices to love, to serve, and to stand up for what is right. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living in a way that reflects God’s will? Are we hearing and doing His word? May we strive to be part of that spiritual family that Jesus speaks of, united in faith, love, and a commitment to justice.