Daily Readings - Tue Sep 20 2022
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between faith, action, and the true meaning of family. In the first reading from Proverbs, we are reminded that true wisdom lies not in wealth or power, but in living a life of mercy, justice, and integrity. The passage warns against the dangers of selfishness and laziness, emphasizing that our actions have consequences. It also highlights the importance of discernment and compassion, urging us to listen to the cries of the poor and to act with justice.
In the Gospel, Jesus expands our understanding of family beyond biological ties. When his mother and brothers cannot reach him due to the crowd, he declares that his true family consists of those who hear the word of God and put it into practice. This teaching challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and relationships. Jesus is not dismissing his biological family, but he is emphasizing that spiritual kinship is rooted in obedience to God’s will. This is a call to live out our faith in tangible ways, just as the first reading encourages us to act with mercy and justice.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith must be lived out in our daily lives. It is not enough to claim a relationship with God if our actions do not reflect His love and justice. Let us ask ourselves: Are we truly hearing and doing the word of God? Are we living with compassion, integrity, and a commitment to justice? May we strive to be part of Jesus’ true family by living out our faith in love and service to others.