Daily Readings - Wed Sep 13 2023
Colossians
1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:6For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of living in Christ and the call to embrace a life of humility and compassion. In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul urges the community to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. He reminds them that their old way of life, marked by sin and division, has been left behind, and they are now called to live as new creatures in Christ. This new life is characterized by unity, equality, and freedom from the burdens of sin and worldly desires. The Apostle emphasizes that in Christ, all distinctions disappear, and we are all one in him.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus delivering the Beatitudes, a profound teaching on true blessedness. Jesus pronounces blessings on those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, while issuing warnings to those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now. This reversal of fortunes challenges the conventional understanding of happiness and success. Jesus is not condemning wealth or joy in themselves but is calling his followers to live with humility, detachment, and a deep trust in God’s providence. The Beatitudes remind us that true happiness comes from living a life of integrity, compassion, and fidelity to God’s will, even in the face of persecution or hardship.
Both readings call us to live in a way that reflects our union with Christ and our commitment to his teachings. St. Paul’s letter encourages us to strip away the old self and clothe ourselves with the new, living in accordance with the image of our Creator. The Beatitudes, on the other hand, remind us that our ultimate reward lies in heaven, not in the fleeting comforts of this world. As we navigate our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are we living as new creatures in Christ, or are we still clinging to the old ways of sin and division? Are we seeking true happiness in God, or are we settling for the temporary satisfactions of the world? May we embrace the call to live with humility, compassion, and trust in God, knowing that our true life is hidden with Christ in God.