Daily Readings - Tue Sep 15 2020
Hebrews
7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.8Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.9And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
Gospel - Luke 2.33-35 or John 19.25-27
Luke
33And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.34And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed35(and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed."
John
25but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"27Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of Christ’s mission and the profound connection between His obedience and our salvation. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear how Jesus, though the Son of God, learned obedience through suffering. His prayers and tears, offered in the days of His flesh, demonstrate His reverence for the Father’s will. This passage emphasizes that Christ’s journey of obedience, even in the face of death, was the means by which He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. It reminds us that true leadership and redemption come not through power, but through humility and surrender.
In the Gospel, we find ourselves in the Temple with Mary and Joseph as they present the infant Jesus to God. Simeon’s prophecy reveals the deeper meaning of this moment: Jesus is a sign of contradiction, destined to bring both ruin and resurrection to many in Israel. Simeon’s words to Mary, “a sword will pass through your soul,” foretell the suffering that lies ahead—not only for Jesus but also for His mother. This passage invites us to consider the cost of discipleship and the ways in which our faith may lead us into moments of trial and misunderstanding.
Together, these readings challenge us to embrace the mystery of the cross in our own lives. Just as Christ learned obedience through suffering, we too are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us into darkness or uncertainty. Mary’s example teaches us to accept the “sword” of our own struggles with faith, knowing that through them, God reveals the depths of our hearts and draws us closer to Himself. Let us ask for the grace to follow Christ’s path of obedience and to find meaning in our trials, trusting that they are part of God’s greater plan for our salvation.