Daily Readings - Thu Sep 10 2020
1 Corinthians
1Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.2If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.3But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.4Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."5For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"--6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.7However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.11And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.12Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.13Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
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 explore the interplay between knowledge, love, and humility. The first reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that while knowledge is important, it is love that truly builds up. Paul cautions against using our knowledge in ways that might harm others, especially those with weaker consciences. The context is the early Christian church grappling with idolatry and dietary practices, highlighting the need for sensitivity towards others' struggles.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus’ teachings on radical love and mercy. He calls us to love our enemies, forgive, and not judge, emphasizing the Golden Rule and God’s merciful nature. This teaching challenges us to move beyond reciprocal love and embrace a love that seeks the good of all, reflecting God’s unconditional love.
Both readings connect through the theme of considering others in our actions. In Corinthians, it’s about restraining our freedoms to protect others, while in Luke, it’s about actively loving and being merciful. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just about what we know, but how we use that knowledge to build up others and reflect God’s love.
In daily life, this means being mindful of how our actions affect others, choosing humility and love over asserting our rights. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can grow in faith without stumbling. The moral lesson is clear: true wisdom lies in humility and love, prioritizing others’ well-being and reflecting God’s mercy in all we do.