Daily Readings - Thu Sep 12 2024
1 Corinthians
1Now concerning food offered to idols: we know that "all of us possess knowledge." This "knowledge" puffs up, but love builds up.2If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know.3But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.4Therefore, as to the eating of food offered to idols, we know that "an idol has no real existence," and that "there is no God but one."5For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth--as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"--6yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.7However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.11And so by your knowledge this weak person is destroyed, the brother for whom Christ died.12Thus, sinning against your brothers and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.13Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.
Luke
27"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.29To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.30Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.31And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.32"If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.33And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.34And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.36Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.37"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;38give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between knowledge, love, and our responsibility toward others. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that knowledge, while valuable, can sometimes lead to pride and division. He emphasizes that true understanding comes from charity, which builds up the community. Paul warns against using our freedom in ways that might harm others, especially the weaker or more sensitive members of the Body of Christ. He urges us to prioritize love and unity over personal preferences, even going so far as to say he would abstain from certain freedoms if it meant avoiding harm to his brother.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further. He calls us not only to avoid harming others but to actively love those who may oppose or wrong us. Jesus’ teachings in Luke 6 challenge us to move beyond mere tolerance or passivity. He asks us to embrace a radical way of living: to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to forgive without condition. This is not a suggestion but a command rooted in the nature of God, who is merciful and kind even to those who do not deserve it. Jesus reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we will be judged by the measure we use to measure others.
These readings remind us that our faith is not just about what we know or believe but about how we live. In a world often divided by conflict and self-interest, we are called to be different. We are called to love without expecting anything in return, to forgive without condition, and to put the needs of others before our own desires. This is not always easy, but it is the path to true holiness. Let us ask ourselves today: Are we using our knowledge and freedoms in ways that build up others, or are we causing harm? Are we striving to love as God loves, without limits or expectations? May we take Jesus’ words to heart and allow his mercy and love to shape our actions, that we might truly be sons and daughters of the Most High.