Daily Catholic Mass Readings for September 11, 2023
First Reading: Colossians 1.24 – 2.3
24Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.25I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness--26the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.27To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.28We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.29To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
1I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally.2My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,3in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Psalm 62
1My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.2He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.3How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down- this leaning wall, this tottering fence?4They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies. With their mouths they bless, but in their hearts they curse. Selah5Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.6He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.7My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge.8Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Selah9Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.10Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.11One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God, are strong,12and that you, O Lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.
Gospel: Luke 6.6-11
6On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled.7The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath.8But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Get up and stand in front of everyone." So he got up and stood there.9Then Jesus said to them, "I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?"10He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He did so, and his hand was completely restored.11But they were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the mystery of God’s plan and the call to live out our faith with courage and compassion. In the first reading from Colossians, St. Paul speaks of his own sufferings and his mission to make known the mystery of Christ, which has been revealed to the Gentiles. He emphasizes that all wisdom and knowledge are found in Christ, and he labors to bring others to maturity in faith. This passage reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, and we are all called to participate in its mission. Paul’s words also highlight the importance of understanding the depth of God’s plan and living in accordance with it.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus confronting the Pharisees and scribes on the Sabbath. While they are focused on legalistic interpretations of the law, Jesus reveals the true spirit of the Sabbath by healing a man with a withered hand. His question, “Is it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath?” cuts to the heart of what it means to live a life pleasing to God. Jesus’ actions show that love and compassion should always take precedence over rigid rules. This encounter also foreshadows the growing opposition Jesus will face, as the Pharisees begin to plot against him.
These readings are connected by the theme of living out God’s plan in the face of challenges. Paul endures suffering for the sake of the Church, while Jesus challenges the status quo to bring healing and hope. Both remind us that following Christ requires courage and a willingness to stand against the forces of division and hardness of heart. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this same spirit. Let us ask ourselves: Are we open to the mystery of God’s plan? Do we allow love and compassion to guide our actions, even when it is difficult? May we, like Paul and Jesus, trust in God’s wisdom and work to bring healing and hope to those around us.