Daily Readings - Mon Sep 23 2024
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 readings today invite us to reflect on our responsibilities and attitudes in living out our faith. The First Reading from Proverbs urges us to act with integrity and timely action, avoiding procrastination in doing good and refraining from plotting against others. It emphasizes trust in God's judgment, where the just will be blessed and the unjust will face ridicule. The Gospel from Luke uses the metaphor of a candle to highlight the importance of being open and receptive to God's Word, warning that our response determines what we receive.
Both readings stress the importance of our actions and attitudes. Proverbs focuses on actively doing good and maintaining integrity, while Luke's parable emphasizes openness to God's message. Together, they remind us that our choices have consequences, both in our relationships with others and in our spiritual lives.
In daily life, these teachings encourage us to act with integrity, not delaying in doing good, and to be mindful of how we receive and share God's truth. The moral lesson is clear: living responsibly and being open to God's Word leads us to a life of virtue and spiritual growth.