Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 11, 2017
First Reading: Colossians 1.24 2.3
24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
Psalm 62
1Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.2He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.3How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence.4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.5My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.6He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.7In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.8Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.9Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree are a lie: to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than vanity.10Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery: if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.12Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy: for thou renderest to every man according to his work.
Gospel: Luke 6.6-11
6And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.7And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.8But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.9Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?10And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.11And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons on compassion and service. The first reading from Colossians reveals Paul's joy in suffering for the Church, emphasizing that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ. This highlights the idea that true wisdom is rooted in selfless service and love. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict adherence to rules over human need, illustrating that compassion should always take precedence.
These readings connect through their emphasis on prioritizing love and service. Paul's suffering for the Church mirrors Jesus' compassionate act, showing that true faith is active and selfless. Both scenarios remind us that our actions should be guided by love, not just rule-following. This challenges us to reflect on how we balance rules with compassion in our daily lives.
The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived through acts of love and service. Just as Jesus healed on the Sabbath and Paul embraced suffering for others, we are called to prioritize the well-being of others, even when it's inconvenient. Let us strive to embody this compassion, allowing our actions to be guided by love and a willingness to serve, just as Christ did.