Daily Readings - Thu Sep 12 2019
Colossians
12Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,13bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.14And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.15And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.17And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Luke
27"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.29To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.30Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.31And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.32"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.33And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.34And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.36Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.37"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;38give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of living a virtuous life. The letter to the Colossians urges us to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, and humility, emphasizing forgiveness and charity as bonds of perfection. This is not just a moral code but a call to embody the peace of Christ, making every action a thanksgiving to God. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to love our enemies, lend without expectation, and avoid judgment, highlighting the merciful nature of our Heavenly Father.
The context of these readings is rooted in community and discipleship. Colossians addresses a community striving to live as new creations in Christ, facing challenges that test their unity and faith. Luke’s passage is part of the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus sets a high standard for His followers, encouraging them to go beyond societal norms and embrace radical love and mercy.
Both readings intertwine the themes of virtue, forgiveness, and mercy, urging us to transcend ordinary standards. They call us to a life that reflects God’s merciful nature, transforming our interactions and fostering a community of love and compassion.
Applying these teachings in daily life might mean being kind to a difficult coworker, forgiving a family member, or refraining from judgment on social media. Each interaction is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, creating ripples of kindness in our circles.
The moral lesson is clear: our transformation through these virtues is not just individual but communal. By living as Christ taught, we become His likeness, changing not only ourselves but the world around us. This journey of love and mercy is our path to true discipleship, leading us closer to God and to each other.