Daily Readings - Wed Sep 09 2020
1 Corinthians
1Now for the matters you wrote about: It is good for a man not to marry.17Nevertheless, each one should retain the place in life that the Lord assigned to him and to which God has called him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches.25Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.26Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are.27Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife.28But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.29What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none;30those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep;31those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
Luke
20Looking at his disciples, he said: "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.21Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.22Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.23"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.24"But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.25Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.26Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on how we live our lives in light of God’s call and the values of the Kingdom. The first reading from 1 Corinthians emphasizes the importance of living according to one’s calling, whether married or single, and reminds us that the time is short. Paul encourages us to live with detachment, not becoming too entangled in the things of this world, for they are passing away. The Gospel from Luke presents the Beatitudes, where Jesus blesses those who are poor, hungry, and weeping, while issuing a warning to those who are wealthy, satisfied, and laughing now. These teachings challenge us to reevaluate our priorities and align our lives with the values of humility, compassion, and trust in God.
The readings are connected by their focus on living a life detached from worldly concerns and centered on God. Paul’s advice to the Corinthians about marriage and celibacy is not about discouraging marriage but about encouraging all people to live their lives in a way that reflects their ultimate commitment to God. Similarly, Jesus’ Beatitudes call us to embrace a life of simplicity, humility, and trust in God’s providence. Both readings remind us that our true consolation and fulfillment come not from this world but from God.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to live with a sense of detachment and gratitude. Whether married or single, we are to use the gifts and circumstances of our lives to serve God and others. We are to avoid becoming too comfortable or complacent, remembering that our ultimate home is in heaven. Let us strive to live simply, trust in God’s plan, and find joy in serving others. May we embrace the values of the Kingdom, knowing that our true reward is not in this world but in the life to come.