Daily Readings - Tue Sep 02 2025
1 Thessalonians
1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,2for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.3While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.4But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.5You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.6So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled.9For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.10He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.11Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Luke
31Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath began to teach the people.32They were amazed at his teaching, because his message had authority.33In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a demon, an evil spirit. He cried out at the top of his voice,34"Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--the Holy One of God!"35"Be quiet!" Jesus said sternly. "Come out of him!" Then the demon threw the man down before them all and came out without injuring him.36All the people were amazed and said to each other, "What is this teaching? With authority and power he gives orders to evil spirits and they come out!"37And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of vigilance, trust in God’s power, and the call to live as children of light. In the first reading from 1 Thessalonians, St. Paul reminds us that the Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. He urges us not to be caught off guard but to remain vigilant and sober, living as sons and daughters of light. This passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and the hope that comes from knowing we are destined for salvation, not wrath. The Apostle encourages us to console and build one another up, fostering a community of support and encouragement.
In the Gospel, we see Jesus demonstrating his authority over evil spirits in the synagogue at Capernaum. The unclean spirit recognizes Jesus as the Holy One of God, and despite the demon’s resistance, Jesus commands it to leave, freeing the man. This passage highlights Jesus’ power over darkness and his mission to bring liberation and healing. The people are filled with fear and awe, recognizing that Jesus’ teaching and actions are unlike anything they have seen before. This miracle underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the triumph of God’s power over evil.
Both readings call us to live with awareness and trust in God’s presence in our lives. Like the Thessalonians, we are reminded to stay spiritually alert, knowing that our ultimate salvation is secure in Christ. Like the people in Capernaum, we are invited to recognize Jesus’ authority and to trust in his power to overcome the challenges we face. In our daily lives, this means living with hope, remaining attentive to God’s will, and seeking to build up one another in love and encouragement. May we embrace our identity as children of light, walking in faith and trusting in the Lord’s plan for us.