Daily Readings - Tue Sep 02 2025
1 Thessalonians
1But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.2For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.3For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.4But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.5Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.6Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.9For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.11Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Luke
31And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.32And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.33And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice,34Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.35And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not.36And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.37And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of vigilance, trust in God’s power, and the call to live as children of light. In the first reading from 1 Thessalonians, St. Paul reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. He urges us not to be caught off guard but to remain vigilant and sober, living as sons and daughters of light. This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and the hope that comes from knowing we are destined for salvation, not wrath. The Apostle encourages us to console and build one another up, fostering a community of support and encouragement.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus demonstrating his authority over evil spirits in the synagogue at Capernaum. The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God, and despite the demon’s resistance, Jesus commands it to leave, freeing the man. This passage highlights Jesus’ power over darkness and his mission to bring liberation and healing. The people are filled with fear and awe, recognizing that Jesus’ teaching and actions are unlike anything they have seen before. This miracle underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the triumph of God’s power over evil.
Both readings call us to live with awareness and trust in God’s presence in our lives. Like the Thessalonians, we are reminded to stay spiritually alert, knowing that our ultimate salvation is secure in Christ. Like the people in Capernaum, we are invited to recognize Jesus’ authority and to trust in his power to overcome the challenges we face. In our daily lives, this means living with hope, remaining attentive to God’s will, and seeking to build up one another in love and encouragement. May we embrace our identity as children of light, walking in faith and trusting in the Lord’s plan for us.