Daily Readings - Thu Sep 12 2019
Colossians
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.13Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.15Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
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 are reminded of the transformative power of living a virtuous life. The letter to the Colossians urges us to clothe ourselves with mercy, kindness, and humility, emphasizing forgiveness and charity as bonds of perfection. This is not just a moral code but a call to embody the peace of Christ, making every action a thanksgiving to God. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus challenges us to love our enemies, lend without expectation, and avoid judgment, highlighting the merciful nature of our Heavenly Father.
The context of these readings is rooted in community and discipleship. Colossians addresses a community striving to live as new creations in Christ, facing challenges that test their unity and faith. Luke’s passage is part of the Sermon on the Plain, where Jesus sets a high standard for His followers, encouraging them to go beyond societal norms and embrace radical love and mercy.
Both readings intertwine the themes of virtue, forgiveness, and mercy, urging us to transcend ordinary standards. They call us to a life that reflects God’s merciful nature, transforming our interactions and fostering a community of love and compassion.
Applying these teachings in daily life might mean being kind to a difficult coworker, forgiving a family member, or refraining from judgment on social media. Each interaction is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love, creating ripples of kindness in our circles.
The moral lesson is clear: our transformation through these virtues is not just individual but communal. By living as Christ taught, we become His likeness, changing not only ourselves but the world around us. This journey of love and mercy is our path to true discipleship, leading us closer to God and to each other.