Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 9, 2017
First Reading: Colossians 1.21-23
21And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled22In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Psalm 54
1Save me, O God, by thy name, and judge me by thy strength.2Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth.3For strangers are risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul: they have not set God before them. Selah.4Behold, God is mine helper: the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.5He shall reward evil unto mine enemies: cut them off in thy truth.6I will freely sacrifice unto thee: I will praise thy name, O LORD; for it is good.7For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath seen his desire upon mine enemies.
Gospel: Luke 6.1-5
1And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.2And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?3And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;4How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?5And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, compassion, and the essence of God's law. The first reading from Colossians reminds us of our reconciliation through Christ's sacrifice, urging us to remain steadfast in faith. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees' strict Sabbath observance, emphasizing that human needs and compassion should guide our understanding of God's laws.
Both readings highlight the importance of living out our faith with love and understanding. Colossians calls us to holiness and unwavering faith, while Luke's passage shows Jesus prioritizing people's well-being over rigid rules. This connection teaches us that our actions should be guided by love and service, reflecting God's heart rather than mere legalism.
As we apply these teachings to our lives, we are reminded to approach challenges with compassion and faith. Let us strive to be reconcilers, bringing God's love into our interactions. By doing so, we honor the essence of our faith, living as holy and blameless children of God, guided by love and mercy.