Daily Readings - Fri Sep 06 2019
Colossians
15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Luke
33And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?34And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?35But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.36And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.37And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.38But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.39No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on the nature of Christ and the transformation He brings. The first reading from Colossians presents Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation, through whom all things were created and reconciled. This passage emphasizes Christ’s supremacy and His role as the head of the Church, highlighting His mission of bringing peace through His sacrifice. The Gospel from Luke offers a complementary perspective, as Jesus responds to inquiries about fasting by His disciples. He uses parables of patching garments and wineskins to illustrate the incompatibility of old and new, suggesting that His teachings cannot be confined by traditional practices.
The context of these readings is significant. Colossians was written to a church grappling with various theological challenges, reaffirming Christ’s central role in creation and redemption. Luke’s passage captures a moment during Jesus’s ministry when He addresses criticism about His disciples’ practices, emphasizing the newness and radical nature of His message. Both readings underscore the theme of newness that Christ introduces, challenging the status quo and inviting a deeper understanding of His transformative power.
Reflecting on these readings, we are reminded that embracing the newness Christ offers is essential for spiritual growth. Just as old garments and wineskins cannot accommodate new patches or wine without damage, our lives must be open to change and renewal. This means letting go of outdated ways of thinking and being receptive to the fresh perspectives and practices that Christ’s teachings bring. The moral lesson here is one of trust and openness—trusting in God’s plan and being willing to embrace transformation, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar. By doing so, we allow Christ to work within us, leading us toward a life of greater fulfillment and deeper connection with Him.