Daily Readings - Tue Sep 26 2017
Second Reading - 2 Corinthians 4.7-15
2 Corinthians
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.So then death worketh in us, but life in you.We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Gospel - Luke 9.23-26
Luke
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away?For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the paradox of the Christian life: that true strength lies in weakness, and true life is found in self-surrender. In the second reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul speaks of the treasure of the Gospel being carried in "earthen vessels," fragile and imperfect as we are. He reminds us that our struggles and sufferings are not obstacles to God’s work but opportunities for His power to shine through us. This is the heart of the Christian mystery: in our vulnerability, God’s strength is revealed.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further. He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This is not a call to self-punishment but an invitation to reorient our lives. Jesus warns that trying to save our lives on our own terms leads to loss, while losing our lives for His sake leads to true salvation. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a way of life—a life of love, sacrifice, and trust in God’s plan.
These readings remind us that our faith is not about avoiding challenges but about embracing them with courage and hope. In our daily lives, we are called to carry our own crosses—whether it’s a difficult relationship, a personal struggle, or a sacrifice for the sake of others. Like St. Paul, we can find joy in knowing that our weaknesses are opportunities for God to work through us. And like Jesus, we can trust that even in the midst of suffering, we are being drawn closer to eternal life. Let us, therefore, embrace the paradox of the Christian life, knowing that in surrendering ourselves to God, we find true freedom and fulfillment.