Daily Readings - Wed Sep 10 2025
Colossians
1If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.2Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.3For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.4When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.5Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.6On account of these the wrath of God is coming.7In these you too once walked, when you were living in them.8But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.9Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices10and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.11Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
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
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on our spiritual identity and the values that guide our lives. The first reading from Colossians encourages us to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. It reminds us that our old way of life, marked by sin and division, has been set aside, and we are now called to live as new creations in Christ. This passage emphasizes unity in Christ, where distinctions like Gentile or Jew, slave or free, no longer matter. Instead, Christ is everything to everyone.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus’ Beatitudes, which challenge our worldly notions of happiness and success. Jesus blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, promising them comfort and fulfillment in God’s kingdom. At the same time, he warns those who are wealthy, well-fed, and laughing now, for their current comfort will turn to hunger and sorrow. This reversal underscores the idea that true blessedness comes not from earthly prosperity but from a humble and compassionate heart.
Together, these readings call us to reevaluate our priorities and live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God. We are to let go of earthly desires and divisions and instead embrace a life of unity, humility, and trust in God’s promises. In a world that often values wealth and status, these readings remind us that our true worth is found in Christ. Let us strive to live with hearts open to God’s transformative grace, trusting that our ultimate reward lies not in this life but in the eternal kingdom of God.