Daily Readings - Thu Sep 10 2020
1 Corinthians
1Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.2The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know.3But the man who loves God is known by God.4So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one.5For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many "gods" and many "lords"),6yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.7But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled.11So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.12When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ.13Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
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 explore the interplay between knowledge, love, and humility. The first reading from 1 Corinthians reminds us that while knowledge is important, it is love that truly builds up. Paul cautions against using our knowledge in ways that might harm others, especially those with weaker consciences. The context is the early Christian church grappling with idolatry and dietary practices, highlighting the need for sensitivity towards others' struggles.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus’ teachings on radical love and mercy. He calls us to love our enemies, forgive, and not judge, emphasizing the Golden Rule and God’s merciful nature. This teaching challenges us to move beyond reciprocal love and embrace a love that seeks the good of all, reflecting God’s unconditional love.
Both readings connect through the theme of considering others in our actions. In Corinthians, it’s about restraining our freedoms to protect others, while in Luke, it’s about actively loving and being merciful. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just about what we know, but how we use that knowledge to build up others and reflect God’s love.
In daily life, this means being mindful of how our actions affect others, choosing humility and love over asserting our rights. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can grow in faith without stumbling. The moral lesson is clear: true wisdom lies in humility and love, prioritizing others’ well-being and reflecting God’s mercy in all we do.