Daily Readings - Mon Sep 11 2023
Colossians
24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church,25of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known,26the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints.27To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.28Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.29For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me.
1For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face,2that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ,3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Luke
6On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered.7And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him.8But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, "Come and stand here." And he rose and stood there.9And Jesus said to them, "I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?"10And after looking around at them all he said to him, "Stretch out your hand." And he did so, and his hand was restored.11But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of God’s plan and the call to live out our faith with courage and compassion. In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul speaks of his own sufferings and his mission to make known the mystery of Christ, which has been revealed to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ, and he labors to bring others to maturity in faith. This passage reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, and we are all called to participate in its mission. Paul’s words also highlight the importance of understanding the depth of God’s plan and living in accordance with it.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus confronting the Pharisees and scribes on the Sabbath. While they are focused on legalistic interpretations of the law, Jesus reveals the true spirit of the Sabbath by healing a man with a withered hand. His question, “Is it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath?” cuts to the heart of what it means to live a life pleasing to God. Jesus’ actions show that love and compassion should always take precedence over rigid rules. This encounter also foreshadows the growing opposition Jesus will face, as the Pharisees begin to plot against him.
These readings are connected by the theme of living out God’s plan in the face of challenges. Paul endures suffering for the sake of the Church, while Jesus challenges the status quo to bring healing and hope. Both remind us that following Christ requires courage and a willingness to stand against the forces of division and hardness of heart. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this same spirit. Let us ask ourselves: Are we open to the mystery of God’s plan? Do we allow love and compassion to guide our actions, even when it is difficult? May we, like Paul and Jesus, trust in God’s wisdom and work to bring healing and hope to those around us.