Daily Readings - Mon Sep 19 2022
Proverbs
27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.28Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"- when you now have it with you.29Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.30Do not accuse a man for no reason- when he has done you no harm.31Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,32for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.33The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.34He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
Luke
16"No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light.17For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.18Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him."
Sermon
The first reading from Proverbs reminds us of the importance of living with integrity and generosity. It warns against withholding good from those who need it and against plotting harm against others, even those who trust us. The passage emphasizes the consequences of our actions: the unjust will face ridicule, while the humble and the just will receive God’s blessing. It calls us to reflect on how we treat others and whether our actions align with God’s will.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the responsibility that comes with receiving God’s gifts. Jesus uses the image of a lamp to illustrate that light is meant to be shared, not hidden. He warns that our response to God’s word determines whether we will receive more or lose even what we have. This teaching challenges us to consider how we listen to and live out the Gospel in our daily lives. Just as light must shine openly, our faith must be visible and active in the world.
Together, these readings invite us to live with openness, generosity, and accountability. They remind us that our actions have consequences and that we are called to be stewards of God’s grace. Let us ask ourselves: Are we withholding good from others? Are we living our faith in a way that illuminates the world? May we strive to live with integrity, share God’s light freely, and trust in His providence.