Daily Readings - Wed Sep 07 2022
1 Corinthians
1Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."17Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.25Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.26I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.27Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.28But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.29This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none,30and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods,31and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
Luke
20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:"Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.21"Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied."Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.22"Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man!23Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.24"But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.25"Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry."Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.26"Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we hear St. Paul and Jesus offering wisdom about living in the world while keeping our hearts fixed on God. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses questions about marriage, celibacy, and living in the present. He emphasizes that our earthly circumstances—whether married or single—are opportunities to live as God has called us. He advises detachment from worldly concerns, urging us to use the things of this world as if they were not our own, for the “figure of this world is passing away.” Paul’s counsel is practical yet profound: live simply, trust in God’s providence, and focus on what truly lasts.
In the Gospel, Jesus delivers the Beatitudes, a powerful reversal of the world’s values. He blesses the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, promising them the kingdom of God, satisfaction, and joy. At the same time, he warns the wealthy, the satisfied, and those who laugh now, for their comfort will fade. Jesus is not condemning wealth or happiness outright but challenging us to recognize where our true fulfillment comes from. The Beatitudes call us to trust in God’s plan and to find joy in Him, even amidst life’s struggles.
Both readings invite us to reevaluate our priorities. Paul reminds us that our earthly situations are temporary and that we should not be overly attached to them. Jesus calls us to embrace humility and detachment, to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. In our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Am I living as God has called me? Am I trusting in His providence? Am I seeking true happiness in Him, even when the world’s comforts are lacking? May we find the courage to live simply, to love deeply, and to trust in God’s plan, knowing that our ultimate reward is in heaven.