Daily Readings - Fri Oct 30 2020
Philippians
1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:2Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.3I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,4Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy,5For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:7Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.8For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;10That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
Luke
1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.2And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.3And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?4And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;5And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?6And they could not answer him again to these things.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in living out our faith. The first reading from Philippians expresses Paul's deep gratitude and confidence in the Philippians' commitment to the Gospel. Despite his imprisonment, Paul rejoices in their partnership and prays for their continued growth in love and understanding. This epistle, written during Paul's confinement, reflects his unwavering trust in God's plan and his affection for the community he nurtured.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene where Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees' strict legalism. Jesus' compassionate act underscores the importance of love and mercy over rigid adherence to rules. This encounter highlights Jesus' mission to bring wholeness and His willingness to confront traditions that hinder genuine human connection.
Both readings converge on the theme of prioritizing love and compassion. Paul's letter illustrates the transformative power of faith and community, while Jesus' healing emphasizes that true service to God involves caring for others, even when it challenges conventions. As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded to trust in God's work within us and to act with compassion, ensuring our actions reflect the love and freedom found in Christ. Let us embrace a faith that is not bound by rules but flourishes through love and service.