Daily Readings - Fri Sep 20 2024
1 Corinthians
12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?13But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:14And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.15Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.16For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Luke
1And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,2And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils,3And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the heart of our Christian faith and the call to live as witnesses of God’s love. The first reading from 1 Corinthians 15 emphasizes the centrality of the Resurrection of Christ. St. Paul makes it clear that if there is no resurrection, then Christ’s rising from the dead is meaningless, and our faith is in vain. He stresses that the Resurrection is not just a distant hope but the very foundation of our belief. Without it, our preaching and faith are empty, and we would be false witnesses to God’s power. Yet, Paul concludes with a triumphant declaration: Christ has indeed risen, and this truth transforms everything.
The Gospel from Luke 8 gives us a glimpse into the missionary journey of Jesus and the community that surrounded him. We see Jesus traveling through cities and towns, preaching the kingdom of God, accompanied by the Twelve Apostles and several women who had been healed and supported him financially. This passage highlights the diverse and inclusive nature of the early Christian community. The women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, play a significant role in sustaining Jesus’ mission. Their presence reminds us that everyone—regardless of gender, background, or past—has a part to play in spreading the Good News.
These readings call us to reflect on our own faith and witness. Just as the Resurrection is the cornerstone of our belief, it must also be the foundation of our daily lives. We are called to live with hope, knowing that Christ’s victory over death gives us the strength to face any challenge. Like the women in Luke’s Gospel, we are invited to use our unique gifts and resources to support the mission of the Church. Let us strive to be living witnesses of the Resurrection, sharing its transformative power with a world in need of hope. May our lives proclaim the truth that Christ has risen, and may we, like St. Paul, never tire of declaring this Good News to all.