Daily Readings - Tue Sep 17 2024
1 Corinthians
12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.13For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.14For the body is not one member, but many.27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
Luke
11And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.12Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.13And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.14And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.15And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.16And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.17And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful reminders of our unity in Christ and the transformative power of compassion. The first reading from 1 Corinthians emphasizes that the Church is one body with many parts, each gifted differently but equally essential. Paul reminds us that these gifts are not for personal glory but for the common good, urging us to strive for the greater gifts that build up the community. This passage calls us to recognize our unique roles within the body of Christ and to use our talents selflessly for the benefit of all.
The Gospel from Luke presents a vivid scene of Jesus' compassion. As He encounters a widow mourning her only son, He is moved by her sorrow and performs a miracle, restoring life to her child. This act not only demonstrates Jesus' divine authority but also reveals His deep empathy for those suffering. The crowd's reaction—fear and glorification of God—reminds us that God's power is often revealed in moments of human vulnerability. This passage invites us to trust in God's providence, even in the face of death and loss, and to approach life with the same compassion Jesus showed.
Together, these readings challenge us to live as the body of Christ, valuing our diversity and using our gifts to serve others. They remind us that our faith is not just about individual holiness but about building up the community and bringing hope to those around us. Let us ask ourselves: How am I using my gifts to serve others? How can I show the same compassion Jesus showed to the widow? May we strive to live as one body, united in love and service, and may we trust in God's power to bring life out of death.