Daily Readings - Wed Sep 23 2020
Proverbs
5"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.6Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.7"Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die:8Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.9Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.
Luke
1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them."6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on trust in God and simplicity of life. The first reading from Proverbs reminds us to trust in God's wisdom and provision, avoiding the extremes of wealth and poverty. It encourages us to be content with what is necessary, fostering a deep faith that God will provide. The Gospel from Luke shows Jesus sending out the apostles with nothing, teaching them to rely solely on God's grace and the kindness of others. This mission emphasizes trust and detachment from material possessions.
Both readings highlight the importance of trusting in God's providence. Proverbs, part of the wisdom literature, teaches us to seek balance and contentment, while Luke's passage illustrates the early Christian community's reliance on faith. The apostles' mission demonstrates that true strength comes from God, not from what we possess.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace simplicity and trust in God's plan. We are reminded not to be controlled by material wealth but to find joy in what is essential. Let us pray for the grace to trust God fully, living with gratitude and contentment, and may our faith guide us in all we do.