Daily Readings - Tue Sep 05 2023
1 Thessalonians
1Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you.2For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.3While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief.5For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.6So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.9For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,10who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.11Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Luke
31And he went down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. And he was teaching them on the Sabbath,32and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word possessed authority.33And in the synagogue there was a man who had the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice,34"Ha! What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God."35But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.36And they were all amazed and said to one another, "What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!"37And reports about him went out into every place in the surrounding region.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of vigilance and trust in God's power. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians urges us to be prepared for the day of the Lord, which comes unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. This passage emphasizes that as children of light, we must stay alert and not be caught off guard by the challenges of life. The Gospel from Luke illustrates Jesus's authority over evil through the expulsion of a demon, demonstrating His power and reassuring us that God is always in control.
These readings connect by highlighting the need for preparedness and faith. Just as the Thessalonians were encouraged to stay vigilant, we too must remain steadfast in our faith, knowing that God's power surpasses any darkness we may face. Jesus's actions in Luke show us that His authority is not just over spiritual forces but also over the uncertainties of our daily lives.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to face each day with purpose and trust in God's plan. Whether dealing with personal struggles or broader challenges, we can find strength in knowing that God's power is ever-present. Let us embrace this truth, living each day with the confidence that comes from trusting in His divine authority and grace.