Daily Readings - Tue Sep 18 2018
1 Corinthians
12The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.13For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free--and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.14Now the body is not made up of one part but of many.27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?30Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?31But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way.
Luke
11Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.12As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out--the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.13When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, "Don't cry."14Then he went up and touched the coffin, and those carrying it stood still. He said, "Young man, I say to you, get up!"15The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.16They were all filled with awe and praised God. "A great prophet has appeared among us," they said. "God has come to help his people."17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of the Church and the compassionate heart of Christ. In the first reading from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, composed of many diverse parts, each with its own unique role and gift. He emphasizes that while not all members have the same function, every part is essential for the well-being of the whole. This teaching calls us to recognize and appreciate the diversity within the Church, while also striving for unity in our shared mission to follow Christ.
In the Gospel, Luke presents us with a powerful story of Jesus’ compassion. Moved by the sorrow of a widow who has lost her only son, Jesus performs a miracle, raising the young man from death. This passage reveals the depth of God’s love and mercy, as well as the transformative power of faith. The crowd’s reaction—glorifying God and recognizing Jesus as a prophet—reminds us that our encounters with God’s mercy should lead us to praise and trust in His providence.
These readings are connected by the theme of life-giving love. Just as Christ’s compassion brought new life to the widow’s son, the Church, as the body of Christ, is called to bring life and hope to the world. Each of us, with our unique gifts and roles, is part of this mission. Let us ask ourselves: How can we, like Christ, show mercy and care for those around us? How can we use our talents to build up the body of Christ and bring light to a world in need? May we strive to live as true members of Christ’s body, united in love and dedicated to serving one another.