Daily Readings - Sat Sep 16 2017
1 Timothy
15Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.16But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.17Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Luke
43"No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit.44Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.45The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks.46"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?47I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice.48He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.49But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of God's mercy and the call to live out our faith authentically. In the first reading from 1 Timothy, Paul humbly acknowledges himself as the foremost of sinners, yet he testifies to the boundless mercy of Christ, who came to save even him. This mercy, Paul emphasizes, is not just a personal gift but a call to patience and instruction for others, revealing the universal offer of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message with Jesus' parable of the tree and its fruit, underscoring that the quality of the fruit reveals the nature of the tree. Jesus then illustrates the importance of acting on His teachings through the parable of the house built on rock versus sand. This teaching emphasizes that true discipleship is not merely about hearing the word but about living it out, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith.
These readings remind us that faith and mercy are not static; they must be lived out dynamically. In our daily lives, we are called to be mindful of how our actions reflect our beliefs. Let us ask ourselves: Do we merely hear the word, or do we allow it to transform our lives? The moral lesson is clear—integrity between belief and action is essential. As we navigate our lives, may we build our spiritual houses on the rock of Christ's teachings, ensuring that our faith is not just proclaimed but lived out in love and service.