Daily Readings - Sat Sep 07 2024
1 Corinthians
6And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.7For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?8Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you.9For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.11Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace;12And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it:13Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.14I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
Luke
1And it came to pass on the second sabbath after the first, that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing them in their hands.2And certain of the Pharisees said unto them, Why do ye that which is not lawful to do on the sabbath days?3And Jesus answering them said, Have ye not read so much as this, what David did, when himself was an hungred, and they which were with him;4How he went into the house of God, and did take and eat the shewbread, and gave also to them that were with him; which it is not lawful to eat but for the priests alone?5And he said unto them, That the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on humility, service, and the true meaning of authority. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul humbly reminds the Corinthians that everything they have is a gift from God, and they should not boast as if their accomplishments or possessions were entirely their own. He contrasts the Corinthians’ pride with the apostles’ suffering and self-emptying, emphasizing that true greatness lies in serving others, not in seeking power or recognition. In the Gospel, Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ rigid understanding of the Sabbath by reminding them that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not the other way around. He asserts His authority as the Lord of the Sabbath, teaching that compassion and human needs should take precedence over strict legalism.
Both readings call us to re-examine our priorities and our understanding of what it means to live as followers of Christ. Paul’s words remind us that our talents, resources, and even our faith are gifts from God, and we should use them to serve others, not to elevate ourselves. Jesus’ encounter with the Pharisees challenges us to approach rules and traditions with a heart of love and mercy, rather than legalistic rigidity. Together, these readings encourage us to embrace humility, recognize our dependence on God, and live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.
In our daily lives, this means letting go of pride and competition, and instead seeking to serve others with gratitude and generosity. It means being open to God’s surprises and not being bound by our own limited perspectives. As we strive to live out these teachings, may we learn to see ourselves and our gifts as part of God’s larger plan, and may we approach every situation with the humility and compassion that Jesus modeled for us.