Daily Readings - Mon Sep 19 2022
Proverbs
27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Luke
16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Sermon
The first reading from Proverbs reminds us of the importance of living with integrity and generosity. It warns against withholding good from those who need it and against plotting harm against others, even those who trust us. The passage emphasizes the consequences of our actions: the unjust will face ridicule, while the humble and the just will receive God’s blessing. It calls us to reflect on how we treat others and whether our actions align with God’s will.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the responsibility that comes with receiving God’s gifts. Jesus uses the image of a lamp to illustrate that light is meant to be shared, not hidden. He warns that our response to God’s word determines whether we will receive more or lose even what we have. This teaching challenges us to consider how we listen to and live out the Gospel in our daily lives. Just as light must shine openly, our faith must be visible and active in the world.
Together, these readings invite us to live with openness, generosity, and accountability. They remind us that our actions have consequences and that we are called to be stewards of God’s grace. Let us ask ourselves: Are we withholding good from others? Are we living our faith in a way that illuminates the world? May we strive to live with integrity, share God’s light freely, and trust in His providence.