Daily Readings - Thu Sep 13 2018
1 Corinthians
1Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.2The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.3But the man who loves God is known by God.4So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.5For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"),6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.7But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
Luke
27"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,28bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.29If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.30Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.31Do to others as you would have them do to you.32"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them.33And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that.34And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full.35But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.36Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.37"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.38Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound teachings that guide us on the path of love and humility. The first reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that while knowledge is valuable, it is love that truly builds up the community. Paul addresses the issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols, urging believers to consider the impact of their actions on others, especially those with weaker faith. He emphasizes that our knowledge should not lead others into sin, but rather, we should act with charity and care for one another.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus' teachings on radical love and mercy. He calls us to love our enemies, turn the other cheek, and live by the Golden Rule. Jesus sets a high standard, distinguishing His followers by their ability to go beyond the world's expectations, showing mercy and forgiveness just as God does. This teaching challenges us to move beyond self-interest and embrace a life of selflessness and compassion.
Both readings highlight the importance of considering others in our actions and decisions. In Corinthians, it's about not offending weaker brothers, while in Luke, it's about loving those who may not return our love. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just about knowledge, but about living out God's love in our daily lives. The moral lesson is clear: love and mercy should guide our actions, reflecting God's love even when it's challenging. Let us strive to live in humility and selflessness, mindful of how our choices affect others, and embody the radical love that Jesus taught.