Daily Readings - Mon Sep 24 2018
Proverbs
27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Luke
16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the importance of living justly and being attentive to God’s word. The first reading from Proverbs encourages us to act with integrity, not withholding good from others and avoiding evil deeds. It emphasizes the wisdom of doing good when we can and not plotting against others, highlighting the consequences of our actions. The Gospel from Luke uses the metaphor of a candle to illustrate that our good deeds should be visible, and it stresses the importance of being receptive to God’s message, as our response affects the blessings we receive.
Both readings, while different in focus, share a common theme of responsibility—Proverbs focusing on outward actions and Luke on inward receptivity. Proverbs is part of the wisdom literature, offering practical advice for a virtuous life, while Luke’s passage is part of Jesus’ teachings, using a simple metaphor to convey deep spiritual truths. Together, they remind us that our actions and attentiveness have spiritual consequences.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to be mindful of our actions, ensuring we do good when possible and remain open to God’s word. By living justly and attentively, we align ourselves with God’s will, fostering spiritual growth and a life of integrity. The moral lesson here is clear: our actions and receptiveness shape our spiritual journey, guiding us toward a life of justice and grace.