Daily Readings - Tue Sep 13 2022
1 Corinthians
12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14For the body is not one member, but many.27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Luke
11And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.17And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the profound unity and diversity within the Body of Christ, as well as the compassionate power of God at work in the world. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul emphasizes that the Church is one body made up of many parts, each with its own unique role and gift. He reminds us that no part of the body can exist independently of the others; we are all interconnected and interdependent. This teaching challenges us to recognize the value of every person in the Church and to seek the greater gifts that build up the entire community.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a vivid scene of Jesus’ compassion and divine authority. As Jesus encounters a widow mourning the loss of her only son, he is moved by mercy and performs a miraculous act of raising the young man from death. This story highlights Jesus’ deep empathy for those suffering and his power to transform even the most desperate situations. The crowd’s response—fear, glorification of God, and recognition of Jesus as a prophet—reminds us that God’s actions in the world always point to his love and care for his people.
These readings invite us to reflect on our place within the Body of Christ and how we can live out our faith in a way that reflects God’s compassion and unity. Just as Jesus reached out to the widow and her son, we are called to be instruments of God’s mercy in the lives of others. Whether through our unique gifts, our prayers, or our acts of service, we are part of the larger story of God’s work in the world. Let us strive to live in unity and mutual support, trusting that God’s grace will flow through us to touch the lives of those around us.