Daily Readings - Tue Sep 22 2020
Proverbs
1The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.2All a man's ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.3To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.4Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin!5The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.6A fortune made by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare.10The wicked man craves evil; his neighbor gets no mercy from him.11When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.12The Righteous One takes note of the house of the wicked and brings the wicked to ruin.13If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of living according to God's will. The first reading from Proverbs reminds us that true wisdom lies in understanding that our actions and intentions are what truly matter. It emphasizes the importance of mercy, justice, and compassion, warning against the pitfalls of sin and laziness. The passage also highlights the responsibility to help those in need, as ignoring the poor's cry leads to being unheard.
The Gospel from Luke offers a profound redefinition of family. Jesus teaches that his true family consists of those who not only hear God's word but also act upon it. This challenges us to move beyond mere lip service and to embody our faith through our actions.
Connecting these readings, we see a clear call to live out our faith with integrity. Being part of God's family is not just about words but about deeds. Let us apply this by actively seeking justice, showing mercy, and helping those in need. Let our actions reflect our commitment to God's will, ensuring that we are true followers in both word and deed.