Daily Readings - Tue Sep 26 2017

Second Reading - 2 Corinthians 4.7-15

⁷But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, so that what is sublime may be of the power of God, and not of us⁸In all things, we endure tribulation, yet we are not in anguish. We are constrained, yet we are not destitute⁹We suffer persecution, yet we have not been abandoned. We are thrown down, yet we do not perish¹⁰We ever carry around the mortification of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies¹¹For we who live are ever handed over unto death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh¹²Therefore, death is at work in us, and life is at work in you¹³But we have the same Spirit of faith. And just as it is written, "I believed, and for that reason I spoke," so we also believe, and for that reason, we also speak¹⁴For we know that the One who raised up Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and will place us with you¹⁵Thus, all is for you, so that grace, abounding through many in thanksgiving, may abound to the glory of God

Gospel - Luke 9.23-26

Luke

Chapter 9

²³Then he said to everyone: "If anyone is willing to come after me: let him deny himself, and take up his cross every day, and follow me²⁴For whoever will have saved his life, will lose it. Yet whoever will have lost his life for my sake, will save it²⁵For how does it benefit a man, if he were to gain the whole world, yet lose himself, or cause himself harm²⁶For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words: of him the Son of man will be ashamed, when he will have arrived in his majesty and that of his Father and of the holy Angels

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the paradox of the Christian life: that true strength lies in weakness, and true life is found in self-surrender. In the second reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul speaks of the treasure of the Gospel being carried in "earthen vessels," fragile and imperfect as we are. He reminds us that our struggles and sufferings are not obstacles to God’s work but opportunities for His power to shine through us. This is the heart of the Christian mystery: in our vulnerability, God’s strength is revealed. In the Gospel, Jesus takes this idea a step further. He calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This is not a call to self-punishment but an invitation to reorient our lives. Jesus warns that trying to save our lives on our own terms leads to loss, while losing our lives for His sake leads to true salvation. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering but a way of life—a life of love, sacrifice, and trust in God’s plan. These readings remind us that our faith is not about avoiding challenges but about embracing them with courage and hope. In our daily lives, we are called to carry our own crosses—whether it’s a difficult relationship, a personal struggle, or a sacrifice for the sake of others. Like St. Paul, we can find joy in knowing that our weaknesses are opportunities for God to work through us. And like Jesus, we can trust that even in the midst of suffering, we are being drawn closer to eternal life. Let us, therefore, embrace the paradox of the Christian life, knowing that in surrendering ourselves to God, we find true freedom and fulfillment.