Daily Readings - Sat Sep 04 2021
Colossians
21Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.22But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--23if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.
Luke
1One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels.2Some of the Pharisees asked, "Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?"3Jesus answered them, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?4He entered the house of God, and taking the consecrated bread, he ate what is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions."5Then Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound messages that invite us to reflect on reconciliation, faith, and the true meaning of the Sabbath. The first reading from Colossians reminds us that through Christ’s sacrifice, we have been reconciled to God, restored to holiness, and called to stand firm in our faith. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging the Pharisees’ rigid understanding of the Sabbath, emphasizing that the Sabbath was made for humanity, not the other way around. Jesus’ actions and words reveal that true observance of the Sabbath involves compassion, mercy, and meeting the needs of others.
The context of these readings is crucial. In Colossians, Paul is addressing a community that had once been alienated from God but is now reconciled through Christ’s death. He urges them to remain steadfast in their faith, rooted in the hope of the Gospel. In Luke, the Pharisees are focused on strict adherence to the law, but Jesus shifts the focus to the human heart and the importance of love over legalism. Both readings highlight the transformative power of God’s grace and the call to live in a way that reflects this grace.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Are we rigid in our adherence to rules, or do we allow God’s love and mercy to guide our actions? The Colossians reading reminds us that our reconciliation with God is a gift that calls us to live with gratitude and integrity. The Gospel challenges us to see the Sabbath not as a burden but as an opportunity to rest, reflect, and serve others. As we go about our day, let us ask ourselves: Am I living as a reconciled child of God? Am I prioritizing love and compassion in my interactions with others? May we, like Jesus, bring light and life to those around us, remembering that the heart of God’s law is love.