Daily Readings - Sun Feb 23 2025
1 Samuel
2Then Saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph.7So David and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his bolster: but Abner and the people lay round about him.8Then said Abishai to David, God hath delivered thine enemy into thine hand this day: now therefore let me smite him, I pray thee, with the spear even to the earth at once, and I will not smite him the second time.9And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?12So David took the spear and the cruse of water from Saul's bolster; and they gat them away, and no man saw it, nor knew it, neither awaked: for they were all asleep; because a deep sleep from the LORD was fallen upon them.13Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill afar off; a great space being between them:22And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it.23The LORD render to every man his righteousness and his faithfulness: for the LORD delivered thee into my hand to day, but I would not stretch forth mine hand against the LORD'S anointed.24And, behold, as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of the LORD, and let him deliver me out of all tribulation.25Then Saul said to David, Blessed be thou, my son David: thou shalt both do great things, and also shalt still prevail. So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place.
1 Corinthians
45And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.46Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.47The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.48As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.49And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
Luke
27But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,28Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.29And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.30Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.31And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.32For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.33And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.34And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.35But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.36Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:38Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful lessons on mercy, trust in God, and living a life guided by the Spirit. The first reading from 1 Samuel tells the story of David sparing King Saul's life, despite having the opportunity to kill him. This act of mercy is significant because David recognizes Saul as the Lord's anointed, choosing to trust in God's plan rather than taking matters into his own hands. This teaches us the value of patience and faith, even in the face of adversity.
The second reading from 1 Corinthians contrasts the first Adam with the second Adam, Jesus Christ. Paul explains that while the first Adam brought death, the second Adam brings life through the Spirit. This theological reflection invites us to consider our own identity and purpose. We are called to live not as earthly beings but as spiritual ones, carrying the image of heaven. This means embracing a life of grace and mercy, just as Christ has shown us.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus' teachings on love and mercy. Jesus challenges us to go beyond conventional wisdom by loving our enemies, being generous, and avoiding judgment. He emphasizes that our actions should be motivated by a desire to reflect God's mercy. This teaching is both radical and transformative, urging us to step out of our comfort zones and embrace a life of selfless love.
These readings are interconnected through the theme of mercy and trust in God. David's mercy towards Saul, Paul's contrast between Adam and Christ, and Jesus' teachings all point to the importance of living a life that reflects God's love and mercy. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's plan, even when it is challenging, and to extend mercy and kindness to others, even when they may not deserve it. By doing so, we become true children of God, living as He has taught us.
The moral lesson here is clear: our actions should be guided by love, mercy, and trust in God. Just as David trusted God's plan, and just as Christ showed us the way of love, we too can live lives that reflect these values. Let us strive to be instruments of God's mercy in the world, trusting that He will guide us and provide for us. In doing so, we not only follow His will but also become beacons of hope and love to those around us.