Daily Readings - Wed Sep 07 2022
1 Corinthians
1Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.26I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.27Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.28But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.29But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;30And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;31And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
Luke
20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we hear St. Paul and Jesus offering wisdom about living in the world while keeping our hearts fixed on God. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses questions about marriage, celibacy, and living in the present. He emphasizes that our earthly circumstances—whether married or single—are opportunities to live as God has called us. He advises detachment from worldly concerns, urging us to use the things of this world as if they were not our own, for the “figure of this world is passing away.” Paul’s counsel is practical yet profound: live simply, trust in God’s providence, and focus on what truly lasts.
In the Gospel, Jesus delivers the Beatitudes, a powerful reversal of the world’s values. He blesses the poor, the hungry, and those who weep, promising them the kingdom of God, satisfaction, and joy. At the same time, he warns the wealthy, the satisfied, and those who laugh now, for their comfort will fade. Jesus is not condemning wealth or happiness outright but challenging us to recognize where our true fulfillment comes from. The Beatitudes call us to trust in God’s plan and to find joy in Him, even amidst life’s struggles.
Both readings invite us to reevaluate our priorities. Paul reminds us that our earthly situations are temporary and that we should not be overly attached to them. Jesus calls us to embrace humility and detachment, to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. In our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Am I living as God has called me? Am I trusting in His providence? Am I seeking true happiness in Him, even when the world’s comforts are lacking? May we find the courage to live simply, to love deeply, and to trust in God’s plan, knowing that our ultimate reward is in heaven.