Daily Readings - Wed Sep 10 2025
Colossians
1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:6For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:7In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.9Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;10And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.
Luke
20And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh.22Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.23Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.24But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.25Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.26Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on our spiritual identity and the values that guide our lives. The first reading from Colossians encourages us to seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. It reminds us that our old way of life, marked by sin and division, has been set aside, and we are now called to live as new creations in Christ. This passage emphasizes unity in Christ, where distinctions like Gentile or Jew, slave or free, no longer matter. Instead, Christ is everything to everyone.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus’ Beatitudes, which challenge our worldly notions of happiness and success. Jesus blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, promising them comfort and fulfillment in God’s kingdom. At the same time, he warns those who are wealthy, well-fed, and laughing now, for their current comfort will turn to hunger and sorrow. This reversal underscores the idea that true blessedness comes not from earthly prosperity but from a humble and compassionate heart.
Together, these readings call us to reevaluate our priorities and live in a way that reflects our identity as children of God. We are to let go of earthly desires and divisions and instead embrace a life of unity, humility, and trust in God’s promises. In a world that often values wealth and status, these readings remind us that our true worth is found in Christ. Let us strive to live with hearts open to God’s transformative grace, trusting that our ultimate reward lies not in this life but in the eternal kingdom of God.