Daily Readings - Tue Sep 03 2019
1 Thessalonians
1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Luke
31Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people.32They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,34"Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"35"Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.36All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!"37And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful themes: the call to vigilance and the demonstration of divine authority. The first reading from 1 Thessalonians reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. It urges us to stay awake and sober, not in fear, but in hope, for we are children of light. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shows Jesus teaching with authority and casting out a demon, leaving the people in awe of His power.
These readings are connected by the idea of preparation and trust in God’s plan. In Thessalonians, Paul emphasizes that we are not destined for wrath but for salvation through Jesus Christ. This salvation is not passive; it requires us to live as children of light, supporting and encouraging one another. In Luke, Jesus’ authority over the unclean spirit is a testament to His power to free us from the forces of darkness. Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not just about waiting but about living actively in the light of Christ.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our readiness to meet God. Are we living with purpose and vigilance, or are we caught up in the complacency of the world? Like the people in the synagogue, we may face challenges that seem insurmountable, but Jesus’ authority over all things assures us that He can free us from any bondage. Let us strive to live as children of light, trusting in God’s power and grace. May we console one another and build each other up, knowing that we are called to live in union with Christ, now and forever.