Daily Readings - Wed Sep 25 2024
Proverbs
5Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.6Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.7Two things I ask of you; deny them not to me before I die:8Remove far from me falsehood and lying; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me,9lest I be full and deny you and say, "Who is the LORD?" or lest I be poor and steal and profane the name of my God.
Luke
1And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases,2and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.3And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics.4And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart.5And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them."6And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.
Sermon
The first reading from Proverbs reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s Word and living a life of simplicity and integrity. The author asks for neither wealth nor poverty but only the necessities of life, fearing that excess might lead to denial of God or that poverty might drive one to sin. This reflects a deep understanding that true fulfillment comes not from material possessions but from a steadfast commitment to God’s truth. The reading also warns against adding to or distorting God’s Word, emphasizing the importance of humility and fidelity in our relationship with Him.
In the Gospel, Luke recounts how Jesus sent the Twelve Apostles out with no provisions—no staff, no bag, no extra clothes, no money. He instructed them to depend entirely on God’s providence and the hospitality of others. This mission was not just about preaching and healing but about trusting in God’s plan and living simply. The Apostles were to stay in one place until their work was done and, if rejected, to move on without resentment, shaking the dust from their feet as a witness. This teaches us about detachment, trust, and perseverance in our own mission to live as disciples.
Both readings call us to a life of faith and simplicity. Proverbs encourages us to avoid the temptations of wealth and poverty by seeking only what is necessary, while Luke’s Gospel challenges us to trust in God’s providence and live without attachment to material comforts. In our daily lives, this means letting go of the need for control and security, and instead, placing our trust in God’s plan. It invites us to live with gratitude for what we have, to share generously with others, and to remain faithful even when faced with rejection or uncertainty. May we, like the Apostles, embrace simplicity and trust in God’s Word, allowing it to guide us in all we do.