Daily Readings - Sat Sep 10 2022
1 Corinthians
14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.15I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?17For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.18Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?19What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?20But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.21Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.22Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?
Luke
43For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.44For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.45A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.46And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore profound teachings from St. Paul and Jesus, both emphasizing the importance of living a life rooted in faith and integrity.
First, St. Paul addresses the Corinthian church, urging them to avoid idolatry and to fully embrace the Eucharist as a communion with Christ. He warns against the dangers of idolatrous practices, which can lead to spiritual corruption, and reminds us that our participation in the Eucharist is a sacred bond with Christ. This teaching serves as a reminder to examine our priorities and ensure that our hearts are not divided between God and worldly desires.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the parable of the tree and its fruits to illustrate that true faith is demonstrated through actions, not just words. He teaches that a life built on His teachings is like a house founded on rock, able to withstand life's challenges. Conversely, a life that hears His words but does not act is like a house built on sand, vulnerable to collapse. This parable challenges us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life.
These readings connect by highlighting the necessity of authenticity and integrity in our faith. St. Paul warns against superficial religious practices, while Jesus emphasizes the importance of putting faith into action. In our daily lives, this means not just attending church but also living according to Christ's teachings. It means avoiding the idolatry of modern distractions and instead prioritizing a deep, personal relationship with God.
As we reflect on these teachings, let us consider how we can build a strong spiritual foundation. May we strive to live a life that truly reflects our faith, bearing fruit through our actions and choices, and may we always seek to deepen our communion with Christ.