Daily Readings - Sun Sep 07 2025
Philemon
9Yet for love's sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.10I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:12Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:13Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:14But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.15For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;16Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.
Luke
25And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.27And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.28For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?29Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,30Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.31Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?32Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.33So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of discipleship and our relationship with God. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us of the limitations of human understanding and the need for divine wisdom. It highlights our inability to fully grasp God’s plans without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This humbles us, acknowledging that our perceptions and foresight are incomplete, and that true wisdom comes from above.
The second reading from the Letter to Philemon offers a powerful example of reconciliation and compassion. Paul appeals to Philemon to welcome Onesimus, a former slave, as a brother in Christ. This reading challenges us to see others through the eyes of God, valuing spiritual bonds over worldly relationships. It calls us to live out our faith in practical ways, prioritizing love and forgiveness.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents a radical challenge: to follow Him, we must be willing to let go of everything, even our closest relationships and possessions. This is not about hating our loved ones, but about recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Jesus uses the parables of the tower builder and the king going to war to emphasize the need for discernment and commitment. True discipleship requires us to count the cost and be willing to carry our cross daily.
These readings remind us that following Christ is not a part-time endeavor but a total commitment. They call us to humility, compassion, and radical trust in God. As we navigate our daily lives, let us ask for the wisdom to see beyond our limitations, the grace to love as God loves, and the courage to embrace the challenges of discipleship with faith and perseverance.