Daily Readings - Sat Sep 03 2022
1 Corinthians
6And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?8Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Luke
1And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.2And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?3And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;4How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?5And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons on humility and the true spirit of faith. The first reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God, urging us to embrace humility and avoid pride. Paul humbly acknowledges his role as a servant of God, emphasizing that true strength lies not in earthly accomplishments but in our reliance on divine grace. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees’ strict adherence to Sabbath laws, highlighting that compassion and human needs should take precedence over rigid rules. Jesus, as Lord of the Sabbath, teaches that faith should be a source of liberation and love rather than legalism.
Both readings connect through their emphasis on humility and service. Paul’s humility in recognizing God as the source of all gifts mirrors Jesus’ compassionate act of feeding His disciples, showing that true faith is about serving others with love. This teaches us to balance our spiritual practices with practical acts of kindness, ensuring that our faith is not just about rules but about positively impacting the lives of those around us.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to stay humble, recognizing the gifts we’ve received, and to approach challenges with compassion. Let us remember that our faith should inspire us to serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did. May we find the courage to live with humility and love, allowing our actions to reflect the grace and mercy of God.