Daily Readings - Fri Sep 20 2024
1 Corinthians
12But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.14And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.15More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.16For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
Luke
1After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him,2and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out;3Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod's household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the heart of our Christian faith and the call to live as witnesses of God’s love. The first reading from 1 Corinthians 15 emphasizes the centrality of the Resurrection of Christ. St. Paul makes it clear that if there is no resurrection, then Christ’s rising from the dead is meaningless, and our faith is in vain. He stresses that the Resurrection is not just a distant hope but the very foundation of our belief. Without it, our preaching and faith are empty, and we would be false witnesses to God’s power. Yet, Paul concludes with a triumphant declaration: Christ has indeed risen, and this truth transforms everything.
The Gospel from Luke 8 gives us a glimpse into the missionary journey of Jesus and the community that surrounded him. We see Jesus traveling through cities and towns, preaching the kingdom of God, accompanied by the Twelve Apostles and several women who had been healed and supported him financially. This passage highlights the diverse and inclusive nature of the early Christian community. The women, including Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna, play a significant role in sustaining Jesus’ mission. Their presence reminds us that everyone—regardless of gender, background, or past—has a part to play in spreading the Good News.
These readings call us to reflect on our own faith and witness. Just as the Resurrection is the cornerstone of our belief, it must also be the foundation of our daily lives. We are called to live with hope, knowing that Christ’s victory over death gives us the strength to face any challenge. Like the women in Luke’s Gospel, we are invited to use our unique gifts and resources to support the mission of the Church. Let us strive to be living witnesses of the Resurrection, sharing its transformative power with a world in need of hope. May our lives proclaim the truth that Christ has risen, and may we, like St. Paul, never tire of declaring this Good News to all.