Daily Readings - Fri Sep 04 2020
1 Corinthians
1This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself.4I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.5Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
Luke
33And they said to him, "The disciples of John fast often and offer prayers, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink."34And Jesus said to them, "Can you make wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?35The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days."36He also told them a parable: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment. If he does, he will tear the new, and the piece from the new will not match the old.37And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.38But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins.39And no one after drinking old wine desires new, for he says, 'The old is good.'"
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of humility and trust in God's plan. The first reading from 1 Corinthians encourages us to see ourselves as ministers of Christ, faithful stewards of God's mysteries. Paul emphasizes that our judgment is not in human hands but in God's, urging us to avoid premature judgments and trust in His timing. This teaches us to focus on our own faithfulness and leave the rest to God.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus addressing critics who question His disciples' practices. Using parables of the groom, patching garments, and wineskins, Jesus illustrates that His ministry brings new life and vitality, which cannot be confined by old traditions. This calls us to embrace the newness Christ brings, being open to change and growth in our spiritual lives.
Together, these readings remind us to live with humility, trusting in God's judgment and being receptive to the new ways He works in our lives. Let us focus on our own walk with God, avoiding judgment of others, and remain open to the fresh insights and transformations He brings.