Daily Readings - Wed Sep 11 2024
1 Corinthians
1Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman."17Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.25Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.26I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is.27Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife.28But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that.29This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none,30and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods,31and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.
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 living a life detached from worldly concerns and focused on eternal values. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul addresses questions about marriage and celibacy, offering practical advice while emphasizing that our ultimate goal is to live as God has called us. He reminds us that the time is short and that we should not be overly attached to the things of this world, whether in relationships, possessions, or pleasures. His counsel is not about forbidding marriage or earthly joys but about living in a way that keeps our hearts free for God.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the Beatitudes, which challenge us to embrace a life of humility, detachment, and trust in God’s providence. He blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, not because these states are desirable in themselves, but because they dispose us to rely on God and seek true fulfillment in Him. Conversely, He warns those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now, for they may be too comfortable to seek God. Jesus is not condemning wealth or joy outright but urging us to recognize that true happiness comes from living in accordance with God’s will and loving others as He loves us.
These readings remind us that our lives should be shaped by a deeper perspective. Whether married or single, wealthy or poor, we are called to live with detachment, using the things of this world without being controlled by them. This means prioritizing love, compassion, and humility in our daily lives. Let us ask ourselves: Are we using the gifts God has given us to serve others and grow closer to Him, or are we letting worldly concerns distract us from what truly matters? May we embrace the simplicity and trust that Jesus and St. Paul teach, living each day with hearts open to God’s will and His kingdom.