Daily Readings - Mon Sep 12 2022
1 Corinthians
17But in the following instructions I do not commend you, because when you come together it is not for the better but for the worse.18For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you. And I believe it in part,19for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized.20When you come together, it is not the Lord's supper that you eat.21For in eating, each one goes ahead with his own meal. One goes hungry, another gets drunk.22What! Do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I commend you in this? No, I will not.23For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread,24and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, "This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me."25In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me."26For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.33So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another--
Luke
1After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum.2Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him.3When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant.4And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, "He is worthy to have you do this for him,5for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue."6And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, "Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof.7Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed.8For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."9When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, "I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith."10And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct scenarios that invite us to reflect on our approach to the sacred and our faith. The first reading from 1 Corinthians addresses the Corinthians' improper behavior during the Lord's Supper. Paul admonishes them for their selfishness and lack of reverence, reminding them of the Eucharist's profound significance as a proclamation of Christ's sacrifice. He emphasizes the need for self-examination and respect for the sacrament.
In contrast, the Gospel from Luke presents the centurion, a man of humility and faith. Despite his social standing, he recognizes his unworthiness and yet trusts in Jesus' power to heal his servant. His faith is not in his own merits but in God's grace, leading Jesus to commend him for his extraordinary faith.
These readings juxtapose two attitudes: the Corinthians' disrespect and the centurion's humility. They challenge us to approach sacred moments with reverence and selflessness. In our daily lives, let us embrace humility and faith, recognizing the grace offered to us. May we, like the centurion, approach God with hearts open to His will, and may we honor the sacred with the respect and gratitude it deserves.