Daily Readings - Mon Sep 23 2024
Proverbs
27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.28Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee.29Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.30Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.31Envy thou not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.32For the froward is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.34Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
Luke
16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on our responsibilities and attitudes in living out our faith. The First Reading from Proverbs urges us to act with integrity and timely action, avoiding procrastination in doing good and refraining from plotting against others. It emphasizes trust in God's judgment, where the just will be blessed and the unjust will face ridicule. The Gospel from Luke uses the metaphor of a candle to highlight the importance of being open and receptive to God's Word, warning that our response determines what we receive.
Both readings stress the importance of our actions and attitudes. Proverbs focuses on actively doing good and maintaining integrity, while Luke's parable emphasizes openness to God's message. Together, they remind us that our choices have consequences, both in our relationships with others and in our spiritual lives.
In daily life, these teachings encourage us to act with integrity, not delaying in doing good, and to be mindful of how we receive and share God's truth. The moral lesson is clear: living responsibly and being open to God's Word leads us to a life of virtue and spiritual growth.