Daily Readings - Mon Sep 16 2024
1 Corinthians
17Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.18For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.19For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.20When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper.21For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken.22What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.23For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:24And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.25After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.26For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come.33Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another.
Luke
1Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.2And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.3And when he heard of Jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the Jews, beseeching him that he would come and heal his servant.4And when they came to Jesus, they besought him instantly, saying, That he was worthy for whom he should do this:5For he loveth our nation, and he hath built us a synagogue.6Then Jesus went with them. And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying unto him, Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:7Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.8For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.9When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.10And they that were sent, returning to the house, found the servant whole that had been sick.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from 1 Corinthians addresses the misuse of the Lord's Supper by the Corinthian church. Paul highlights their division, where some indulged while others went hungry, contrary to the Eucharist's purpose of unity. He reminds us that the Eucharist is a sacred remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, meant to unite us in faith and love.
The Gospel from Luke presents the centurion whose faith in Jesus' power leads to the healing of his servant. Despite his position, the centurion humbly recognizes Jesus' authority, demonstrating extraordinary faith. Jesus praises this faith, illustrating that true faith transcends boundaries and fosters unity, even between different communities.
These readings teach us about the power of faith and reverence. The Corinthians' misuse of the Eucharist reflects a lack of faith in its true meaning, leading to division. Conversely, the centurion's faith in Jesus' word brings healing and unity. As we reflect on these stories, we are reminded to approach the Eucharist with reverence and to live with faith that unites us. May we embrace this faith, fostering unity and spiritual growth in our daily lives.