Daily Readings - Fri Sep 05 2025
Colossians
15Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.18And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.19For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;20And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
Luke
33And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?34And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them?35But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.36And he spake also a parable unto them; No man putteth a piece of a new garment upon an old; if otherwise, then both the new maketh a rent, and the piece that was taken out of the new agreeth not with the old.37And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.38But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.39No man also having drunk old wine straightway desireth new: for he saith, The old is better.
Sermon
Dear friends,
Today, we reflect on the readings from Colossians and Luke, which invite us to embrace the newness that Jesus brings into our lives. In Colossians, we hear a hymn that praises Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, and the head of the Church. This passage emphasizes Christ's role in creation and redemption, highlighting that through Him, all things are reconciled. In Luke, Jesus responds to criticism about His disciples' practices by using parables: the groom, the patch, and the wineskins. He illustrates that His new message cannot be confined by old traditions.
The context of Colossians is a celebration of Christ's supremacy, affirming His divinity and role in uniting all things. In Luke, Jesus addresses the Pharisees' concerns, emphasizing that His teachings and way of life are fresh and cannot be merged with outdated practices. Both readings converge on the theme of newness—Christ brings a new way of being, thinking, and living that transcends the old.
Applying this to our lives, we are called to embrace change and renewal. Just as Jesus' message required new wineskins, we must be open to letting go of old habits and mindsets that hinder our spiritual growth. The moral lesson here is trust in God's plan and openness to the new things He is doing. Let us trust in His wisdom and be receptive to the renewal He offers, allowing His newness to transform our lives.