Daily Readings - Wed Sep 25 2024
Proverbs
5Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.6Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.7Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:8Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:9Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Luke
1Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.2And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.3And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece.4And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart.5And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.6And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.
Sermon
The first reading from Proverbs reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s Word and living a life of simplicity and integrity. The author asks for neither wealth nor poverty but only the necessities of life, fearing that excess might lead to denial of God or that poverty might drive one to sin. This reflects a deep understanding that true fulfillment comes not from material possessions but from a steadfast commitment to God’s truth. The reading also warns against adding to or distorting God’s Word, emphasizing the importance of humility and fidelity in our relationship with Him.
In the Gospel, Luke recounts how Jesus sent the Twelve Apostles out with no provisions—no staff, no bag, no extra clothes, no money. He instructed them to depend entirely on God’s providence and the hospitality of others. This mission was not just about preaching and healing but about trusting in God’s plan and living simply. The Apostles were to stay in one place until their work was done and, if rejected, to move on without resentment, shaking the dust from their feet as a witness. This teaches us about detachment, trust, and perseverance in our own mission to live as disciples.
Both readings call us to a life of faith and simplicity. Proverbs encourages us to avoid the temptations of wealth and poverty by seeking only what is necessary, while Luke’s Gospel challenges us to trust in God’s providence and live without attachment to material comforts. In our daily lives, this means letting go of the need for control and security, and instead, placing our trust in God’s plan. It invites us to live with gratitude for what we have, to share generously with others, and to remain faithful even when faced with rejection or uncertainty. May we, like the Apostles, embrace simplicity and trust in God’s Word, allowing it to guide us in all we do.