Daily Readings - Wed Sep 02 2020
1 Corinthians
1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.2I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?4For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?6I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.7So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.8Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Luke
38And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.39And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her: and immediately she arose and ministered unto them.40Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.41And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ.42And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place: and the people sought him, and came unto him, and stayed him, that he should not depart from them.43And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.44And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that while we may plant and water the seeds of faith, it is God who brings forth the growth. Paul addresses the Corinthians, who were divided by factions, urging them to move beyond their carnal divisions and focus on their spiritual growth. He emphasizes that ministers are merely God's instruments, and true growth comes from Him.
In the Gospel, Luke shares the story of Jesus healing Simon's mother-in-law and many others, demonstrating His divine authority. Despite the crowds' desire to keep Him in one place, Jesus insists on spreading the kingdom's message, showing that His mission is not limited to physical healing but extends to spiritual salvation. This highlights Jesus' role as the Messiah, focused on fulfilling His divine purpose.
These readings teach us to trust in God's providence and recognize our role as His instruments. We are called to humility, unity, and a focus on spiritual growth. Let us embrace our role in God's plan, trusting that He will bring forth the fruit of our efforts. In our daily lives, may we seek to serve and spread God's message, remembering that true power and growth come from Him alone.