Daily Readings - Fri Sep 15 2023
Hebrews
7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Gospel - Luke 2.33-35 or John 19.25-27
Luke
33And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.34And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;35Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
John
25Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!27Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect deeply on the mystery of Christ's mission and its implications for our own lives. In the first reading from Hebrews, we hear of Jesus, who, though the Son of God, learned obedience through suffering. This passage emphasizes that Christ's journey was not one of ease but of profound struggle and prayer. It reminds us that even in our own struggles, we can turn to God with cries and tears, trusting that He hears us. Jesus' obedience, far from being a sign of weakness, became the source of salvation for all who follow Him.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Simeon's prophecy, which reveals the duality of Christ's mission: He is both a cause of ruin and resurrection, a sign of contradiction. These words speak to the transformative power of Christ, who challenges us to confront our own hearts. Simeon's words to Mary, that a sword would pierce her soul, remind us that following Christ comes with a cost. It is through this suffering and contradiction that the thoughts of many hearts are revealed, calling us to examine our own hearts and align them with God's will.
These readings call us to embrace obedience and trust in God's plan, even when it leads us through trials. Like Mary, we are invited to stand faithfully, allowing the sword of God's truth to pierce our hearts, revealing our true intentions and desires. In a world often resistant to the Gospel, we are reminded that our faith will sometimes lead to contradiction and challenge. Yet, it is precisely through these struggles that we grow in holiness and become instruments of salvation for others. Let us, therefore, embrace the cross with courage, knowing that in doing so, we participate in Christ's mission of redemption.