Daily Readings - Sun Sep 08 2019
Philemon
9Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
Luke
25And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of wisdom, compassion, and commitment in our journey of faith. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us of the limitations of human understanding and the necessity of divine wisdom. It highlights our frailty and the need for God's guidance to discern His will, emphasizing that true wisdom comes from Him.
The second reading from Philemon illustrates this wisdom in action through Paul's compassionate plea to Philemon. Paul's appeal for Onesimus, a former slave, demonstrates the transformative power of faith and love. It calls us to see others through the eyes of Christ, embracing them as brothers and sisters, and to act with forgiveness and kindness.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to consider the cost of discipleship. He teaches that following Him requires total commitment, willingness to sacrifice, and trust in His plan. The parables of the tower and the king remind us to evaluate our readiness to embrace this commitment fully.
These readings connect by showing that wisdom leads to compassionate action and radical commitment. In our daily lives, we are called to seek God's wisdom, practice forgiveness, and trust in His plan, even when it demands sacrifice. Let us reflect on our commitment to Christ, trusting in His guidance and living out our faith with compassion and courage.