Daily Readings - Wed Sep 13 2023
Colossians
1If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.4When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.5Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.6On account of these the wrath of God is coming.7In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.8But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.9Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.11Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of living in Christ and the call to embrace a life of humility and compassion. In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul urges the community to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. He reminds them that their old way of life, marked by sin and division, has been left behind, and they are now called to live as new creatures in Christ. This new life is characterized by unity, equality, and freedom from the burdens of sin and worldly desires. The Apostle emphasizes that in Christ, all distinctions disappear, and we are all one in him.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus delivering the Beatitudes, a profound teaching on true blessedness. Jesus pronounces blessings on those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, while issuing warnings to those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now. This reversal of fortunes challenges the conventional understanding of happiness and success. Jesus is not condemning wealth or joy in themselves but is calling his followers to live with humility, detachment, and a deep trust in God’s providence. The Beatitudes remind us that true happiness comes from living a life of integrity, compassion, and fidelity to God’s will, even in the face of persecution or hardship.
Both readings call us to live in a way that reflects our union with Christ and our commitment to his teachings. St. Paul’s letter encourages us to strip away the old self and clothe ourselves with the new, living in accordance with the image of our Creator. The Beatitudes, on the other hand, remind us that our ultimate reward lies in heaven, not in the fleeting comforts of this world. As we navigate our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are we living as new creatures in Christ, or are we still clinging to the old ways of sin and division? Are we seeking true happiness in God, or are we settling for the temporary satisfactions of the world? May we embrace the call to live with humility, compassion, and trust in God, knowing that our true life is hidden with Christ in God.