Daily Readings - Mon Nov 11 2019
Luke
1Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.3So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"6He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of our relationship with God and with one another. The Book of Wisdom reminds us to love justice and seek God with a simple heart, emphasizing that wisdom dwells only in the virtuous. It warns that perverse thoughts and sin separate us from God, while the Holy Spirit flees from falsehood. This passage encourages us to embody truth and integrity, for God is the witness of our hearts and the auditor of our words.
The Gospel of Luke complements this by focusing on our interactions with others. Jesus teaches us to avoid causing scandals, especially against the vulnerable, and to practice forgiveness and correction with love. He underscores the power of faith, even in small measures, to accomplish great things. The disciples' request for increased faith highlights the importance of trusting in God's power within us.
Together, these readings guide us to cultivate integrity and forgiveness in our daily lives. They remind us that our internal virtues shape our external actions, fostering healthy relationships with both God and others. Let us strive to live with justice, truth, and compassion, trusting in the transformative power of faith.