Daily Readings - Fri Sep 02 2022

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

Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, judgment, and the newness of God’s plan. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul humbly reminds us that we are but ministers of Christ, entrusted with the mysteries of God. He warns against judging others or ourselves prematurely, for it is the Lord who will ultimately judge us. Paul emphasizes faithfulness as the primary virtue for those who serve God, and he cautions against complacency, reminding us that our true worth is measured not by human standards but by God’s judgment. In the Gospel, Jesus responds to criticism about his disciples’ lack of fasting by comparing himself to a groom celebrating with his friends. He explains that his presence brings joy, and fasting is unnecessary while he is with them. Jesus then uses two parables—the patch on the garment and the new wine in old wineskins—to illustrate that his message cannot be confined to the old ways of thinking. The newness of his teaching requires openness and a willingness to embrace change, rather than clinging to outdated traditions. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not about rigid rules or external appearances but about trusting in God’s plan and remaining open to the newness of life he offers. In a world that often values judgment and control, we are called to humility, faithfulness, and a willingness to let go of the old to embrace the new. Let us ask ourselves: Are we open to the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives? Do we trust in God’s judgment rather than our own? May we, like St. Paul, focus on being faithful servants, and may we, like Jesus’ disciples, embrace the joy and freedom of the Gospel with open hearts.