Daily Readings - Sat Sep 04 2021
Colossians
21And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,22he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him,23if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister.
Luke
1On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands.2But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?"3And Jesus answered them, "Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him:4how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?"5And he said to them, "The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound messages that invite us to reflect on reconciliation, faith, and the true meaning of the Sabbath. The first reading from Colossians reminds us that through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been reconciled to God, restored to holiness, and called to stand firm in our faith. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees’ rigid understanding of the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not the other way around. Jesus’ actions and words reveal that true observance of the Sabbath involves compassion, mercy, and meeting the needs of others.
The context of these readings is crucial. In Colossians, Paul is addressing a community that had once been alienated from God but is now reconciled through Christ’s death. He urges them to remain steadfast in their faith, rooted in the hope of the Gospel. In Luke, the Pharisees are focused on strict adherence to the law, but Jesus shifts the focus to the human heart and the importance of love over legalism. Both readings highlight the transformative power of God’s grace and the call to live in a way that reflects this grace.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Are we rigid in our adherence to rules, or do we allow God’s love and mercy to guide our actions? The Colossians reading reminds us that our reconciliation with God is a gift that calls us to live with gratitude and integrity. The Gospel challenges us to see the Sabbath not as a burden but as an opportunity to rest, reflect, and serve others. As we go about our day, let us ask ourselves: Am I living as a reconciled child of God? Am I prioritizing love and compassion in my interactions with others? May we, like Jesus, bring light and life to those around us, remembering that the heart of God’s law is love.