Daily Readings - Fri Oct 30 2020
Philippians
1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus,To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.3I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,4always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy,5because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.6And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.7It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.8For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.9And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment,10so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,11filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Luke
1One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully.2And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy.3And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?"4But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away.5And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?"6And they could not reply to these things.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in living out our faith. The first reading from Philippians expresses Paul's deep gratitude and confidence in the Philippians' commitment to the Gospel. Despite his imprisonment, Paul rejoices in their partnership and prays for their continued growth in love and understanding. This epistle, written during Paul's confinement, reflects his unwavering trust in God's plan and his affection for the community he nurtured.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene where Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict legalism. Jesus' compassionate act underscores the importance of love and mercy over rigid adherence to rules. This encounter highlights Jesus' mission to bring wholeness and His willingness to confront traditions that hinder genuine human connection.
Both readings converge on the theme of prioritizing love and compassion. Paul's letter illustrates the transformative power of faith and community, while Jesus' healing emphasizes that true service to God involves caring for others, even when it challenges conventions. As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded to trust in God's work within us and to act with compassion, ensuring our actions reflect the love and freedom found in Christ. Let us embrace a faith that is not bound by rules but flourishes through love and service.