Daily Readings - Fri Sep 04 2020
1 Corinthians
1Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.2Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
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 are reminded of the importance of humility and trust in God's plan. The first reading from 1 Corinthians encourages us to see ourselves as ministers of Christ, faithful stewards of God's mysteries. Paul emphasizes that our judgment is not in human hands but in God's, urging us to avoid premature judgments and trust in His timing. This teaches us to focus on our own faithfulness and leave the rest to God.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus addressing critics who question His disciples' practices. Using parables of the groom, patching garments, and wineskins, Jesus illustrates that His ministry brings new life and vitality, which cannot be confined by old traditions. This calls us to embrace the newness Christ brings, being open to change and growth in our spiritual lives.
Together, these readings remind us to live with humility, trusting in God's judgment and being receptive to the new ways He works in our lives. Let us focus on our own walk with God, avoiding judgment of others, and remain open to the fresh insights and transformations He brings.