Daily Readings - Thu Sep 12 2024
1 Corinthians
1Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.2And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.3But if any man love God, the same is known of him.4As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.5For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)6But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.7Howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge: for some with conscience of the idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an idol; and their conscience being weak is defiled.11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.
Luke
27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between knowledge, love, and our responsibility toward others. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that knowledge, while valuable, can sometimes lead to pride and division. He emphasizes that true understanding comes from charity, which builds up the community. Paul warns against using our freedom in ways that might harm others, especially the weaker or more sensitive members of the Body of Christ. He urges us to prioritize love and unity over personal preferences, even going so far as to say he would abstain from certain freedoms if it meant avoiding harm to his brother.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further. He calls us not only to avoid harming others but to actively love those who may oppose or wrong us. Jesus’ teachings in Luke 6 challenge us to move beyond mere tolerance or passivity. He asks us to embrace a radical way of living: to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, and to forgive without condition. This is not a suggestion but a command rooted in the nature of God, who is merciful and kind even to those who do not deserve it. Jesus reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we will be judged by the measure we use to measure others.
These readings remind us that our faith is not just about what we know or believe but about how we live. In a world often divided by conflict and self-interest, we are called to be different. We are called to love without expecting anything in return, to forgive without condition, and to put the needs of others before our own desires. This is not always easy, but it is the path to true holiness. Let us ask ourselves today: Are we using our knowledge and freedoms in ways that build up others, or are we causing harm? Are we striving to love as God loves, without limits or expectations? May we take Jesus’ words to heart and allow his mercy and love to shape our actions, that we might truly be sons and daughters of the Most High.