Daily Readings - Sat Sep 09 2017
Colossians
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Luke
1One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels.2Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"3Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?4He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions."5Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, compassion, and the essence of God's law. The first reading from Colossians reminds us of our reconciliation through Christ's sacrifice, urging us to remain steadfast in faith. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees' strict Sabbath observance, emphasizing that human needs and compassion should guide our understanding of God's laws.
Both readings highlight the importance of living out our faith with love and understanding. Colossians calls us to holiness and unwavering faith, while Luke's passage shows Jesus prioritizing people's well-being over rigid rules. This connection teaches us that our actions should be guided by love and service, reflecting God's heart rather than mere legalism.
As we apply these teachings to our lives, we are reminded to approach challenges with compassion and faith. Let us strive to be reconcilers, bringing God's love into our interactions. By doing so, we honor the essence of our faith, living as holy and blameless children of God, guided by love and mercy.