Daily Readings - Mon Sep 23 2024
Proverbs
27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.28Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"--when you have it with you.29Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.30Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.31Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways,32for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.33The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.34Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.
Luke
16"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.17For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.18Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on our responsibilities and attitudes in living out our faith. The First Reading from Proverbs urges us to act with integrity and timely action, avoiding procrastination in doing good and refraining from plotting against others. It emphasizes trust in God's judgment, where the just will be blessed and the unjust will face ridicule. The Gospel from Luke uses the metaphor of a candle to highlight the importance of being open and receptive to God's Word, warning that our response determines what we receive.
Both readings stress the importance of our actions and attitudes. Proverbs focuses on actively doing good and maintaining integrity, while Luke's parable emphasizes openness to God's message. Together, they remind us that our choices have consequences, both in our relationships with others and in our spiritual lives.
In daily life, these teachings encourage us to act with integrity, not delaying in doing good, and to be mindful of how we receive and share God's truth. The moral lesson is clear: living responsibly and being open to God's Word leads us to a life of virtue and spiritual growth.