💖 HOMILY - SEPTEMBER 10 💖

First Reading - 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

Gospel - Luke 6:12-19

Everyone lives their life according to a guiding philosophy. If the philosophy we choose is shallow or worldly, our lives may become materialistic and directionless. However, if our philosophy is built on a solid foundation, our lives will have direction, stability, and purpose. Today's readings invite us to reflect on the philosophy shaping our lives, to see whether it is deeply rooted or in need of reassessment.

In the first reading, Paul offers a challenge to the Christian community in Corinth. He advises them not to take their disputes to pagan courts but to resolve their issues within the Christian community. While this might seem unusual, Paul’s point is that Christians, guided by the Spirit of Christ, should be capable of resolving their own conflicts. He emphasizes that judgment has been entrusted to the saints, and as Christians, they are called to be saints. Paul’s message implies that their inability to resolve their disputes is a sign of a deeper problem: a failure to live out their Christian identity and remain rooted in Christ.

The Gospel passage shows us how Jesus remained grounded in His relationship with the Father through prayer. Before making the important decision to choose His apostles, Jesus spent the entire night in prayer. This deep communion with the Father empowered Him for His ministry of healing and preaching. Jesus’ connection with the Father through prayer is a model for us, showing the importance of grounding our lives in a relationship with God.

As Christians, our lives are meant to be rooted in Christ, for He is the source of our spiritual sustenance. Without faith in Christ, we lose our identity as Christians. Through baptism, we have been blessed with this connection to Christ, but it can weaken if we neglect our faith. In the first reading, Paul points out the community's failure to recognize the power of the Spirit among them, which stemmed from their lack of connection to God. This serves as a challenge to us as well. If we are not rooted in Christ, we may lose sight of His presence and power in our lives.

Today's readings invite us to strengthen our faith and remain rooted in Christ through prayer. Just as Jesus’ life and actions were directed by His communion with the Father, our lives should be directed by our relationship with Christ in prayer. This will help reinforce our rootedness in Him and give direction to all our actions and decisions.

May we always remain deeply rooted in Christ.