Daily Readings - Mon Sep 11 2023
Colossians
24Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:25Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;26Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:27To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:28Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:29Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.
1For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;2That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Luke
6And it came to pass also on another sabbath, that he entered into the synagogue and taught: and there was a man whose right hand was withered.7And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the sabbath day; that they might find an accusation against him.8But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the withered hand, Rise up, and stand forth in the midst. And he arose and stood forth.9Then said Jesus unto them, I will ask you one thing; Is it lawful on the sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? to save life, or to destroy it?10And looking round about upon them all, he said unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he did so: and his hand was restored whole as the other.11And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of God’s plan and the call to live out our faith with courage and compassion. In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul speaks of his own sufferings and his mission to make known the mystery of Christ, which has been revealed to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ, and he labors to bring others to maturity in faith. This passage reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, and we are all called to participate in its mission. Paul’s words also highlight the importance of understanding the depth of God’s plan and living in accordance with it.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus confronting the Pharisees and scribes on the Sabbath. While they are focused on legalistic interpretations of the law, Jesus reveals the true spirit of the Sabbath by healing a man with a withered hand. His question, “Is it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath?” cuts to the heart of what it means to live a life pleasing to God. Jesus’ actions show that love and compassion should always take precedence over rigid rules. This encounter also foreshadows the growing opposition Jesus will face, as the Pharisees begin to plot against him.
These readings are connected by the theme of living out God’s plan in the face of challenges. Paul endures suffering for the sake of the Church, while Jesus challenges the status quo to bring healing and hope. Both remind us that following Christ requires courage and a willingness to stand against the forces of division and hardness of heart. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this same spirit. Let us ask ourselves: Are we open to the mystery of God’s plan? Do we allow love and compassion to guide our actions, even when it is difficult? May we, like Paul and Jesus, trust in God’s wisdom and work to bring healing and hope to those around us.