Daily Readings - Mon Nov 13 2023
Luke
1And he said to his disciples, "Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come!2It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.3Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,4and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him."5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"6And the Lord said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of our relationship with God and with one another. In the first reading from the Book of Wisdom, we are reminded that wisdom is a gift from God, but it can only dwell in a heart that is pure and sincere. The author warns that wisdom flees from malice and falsehood, emphasizing that our thoughts and actions must align with God’s justice and love. This passage encourages us to seek God with simplicity and faith, trusting that He reveals Himself to those who are genuine in their pursuit of Him.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches His disciples about the importance of living with integrity and compassion. He warns against causing scandals, especially those that lead others astray, and He emphasizes the need for forgiveness and reconciliation. When the disciples ask for increased faith, Jesus responds by highlighting the power of even the smallest amount of faith, using the striking image of a mulberry tree being uprooted and cast into the sea. This teaching reminds us that faith, no matter how small, can accomplish great things when it is rooted in trust and obedience to God’s will.
Together, these readings challenge us to examine our lives and relationships. Are we seeking God with sincerity, or are we allowing malice and pride to separate us from Him? Are we living in a way that avoids harming others and fosters reconciliation? The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived out in purity of heart and in service to others. Let us ask for the grace to cultivate wisdom and to grow in faith, trusting that God will guide us in our daily lives and help us to live as His disciples.