Daily Readings - Mon Nov 08 2021
Luke
1Jesus said to his disciples: "Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.2It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.3So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.4If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him."5The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"6He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the essence of a virtuous life and the power of faith. The first reading from Wisdom encourages us to seek God with a pure heart, emphasizing justice and simplicity. It warns that wisdom eludes those consumed by malice and sin, highlighting the importance of living a life aligned with divine values. The Gospel from Luke complements this by focusing on the responsibilities of discipleship, urging us to avoid causing scandals and to embrace forgiveness, even when it is challenging. Jesus underscores the transformative power of faith, comparing it to a mustard seed capable of moving mountains.
These readings are contextually rich. Wisdom, part of the deuterocanonical literature, was written to inspire fidelity among the Jewish community, while Luke's Gospel captures Jesus' teachings on communal living and discipleship. Together, they emphasize the interconnectedness of virtue and faith. The first reading sets the stage by highlighting the need for purity and justice, which aligns with Jesus' teachings on avoiding scandal and practicing forgiveness. This connection underscores the importance of living a life that reflects our faith in action.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to integrity and mindfulness. We must avoid actions that could lead others astray and embrace forgiveness as a cornerstone of our relationships. Even a small amount of faith can have a profound impact, empowering us to overcome challenges. The moral lesson here is clear: living with integrity, avoiding sin, and cultivating faith and forgiveness are essential for a healthy spiritual life and community. Let us strive to embody these teachings, allowing our faith to guide us in living justly and seeking God with simplicity.