Daily Readings - Thu Nov 15 2018
Philemon
7For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.8Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required,9yet for love's sake I prefer to appeal to you--I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus--10I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.11(Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.)12I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart.13I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel,14but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own free will.15For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever,16no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother--especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.17So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.18If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account.19I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it--to say nothing of your owing me even your own self.20Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.
Luke
20Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed,21nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or 'There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you."22And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.23And they will say to you, 'Look, there!' or 'Look, here!' Do not go out or follow them.24For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.25But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the transformative power of faith and compassion. The letter to Philemon highlights Paul's heartfelt plea for Philemon to accept Onesimus, a former slave turned brother in Christ, emphasizing the equality and unity found in faith. This story illustrates how faith can change our perspectives and relationships, urging us to see others through the lens of compassion and shared humanity.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is not something to be awaited with grandeur but is already present among us. He warns against being deceived by false signs and reminds us that the Kingdom is within. This message calls us to recognize God's presence in our daily lives and in every person we encounter.
Connecting these readings, we see a common theme of community and compassion. Just as Philemon is urged to see Onesimus as a brother, we too are called to recognize the divine spark in everyone. The Kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality lived out in our interactions. As we navigate our daily lives, let us embody this Kingdom by treating others with love and respect, seeing Christ in each person we meet. This is the heart of our faith—unity and compassion in action.