Daily Readings - Wed Oct 10 2018
Galatians
1Next, after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, taking with me Barnabas and Titus2And I went up according to revelation, and I debated with them about the Gospel that I am preaching among the Gentiles, but away from those who were pretending to be something, lest perhaps I might run, or have run, in vain7But it was to the contrary, since they had seen that the Gospel to the uncircumcised was entrusted to me, just as the Gospel to the circumcised was entrusted to Peter8For he who was working the Apostleship to the circumcised in Peter, was also working in me among the Gentiles9And so, when they had acknowledged the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who seemed like pillars, gave to me and to Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we would go to the Gentiles, while they went to the circumcised10asking only that we should be mindful of the poor, which was the very thing that I also was solicitous to do11But when Cephas had arrived at Antioch, I stood against him to his face, because he was blameworthy12For before certain ones arrived from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they had arrived, he drew apart and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision13And the other Jews consented to his pretense, so that even Barnabas was led by them into that falseness14But when I had seen that they were not walking correctly, by the truth of the Gospel, I said to Cephas in front of everyone: "If you, while you are a Jew, are living like the Gentiles and not the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to keep the customs of the Jews?
Luke
1And it happened that, while he was in a certain place praying, when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.2And he said to them: "When you are praying, say: Father, may your name be kept holy. May your kingdom come3Give us this day our daily bread4And forgive us our sins, since we also forgive all who are indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on unity, integrity, and the power of prayer. In the first reading from Galatians, Paul shares his experience of defending the Gospel to the Gentiles and confronting Peter for his hypocrisy. This passage reminds us that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background, and that unity in Christ should transcend human divisions. Paul’s courage to stand up for the truth, even against a fellow apostle, teaches us the importance of living authentically and not compromising the Gospel for the sake of convenience or approval.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is more than just a formula; it is a way of life. It calls us to reverence God’s name, to seek His kingdom, and to trust in His providence. The prayer also emphasizes forgiveness and our responsibility to forgive others. Jesus reminds us that our relationship with God is deeply connected to our relationships with others. If we pray for forgiveness, we must also extend forgiveness to those who wrong us.
Today’s readings challenge us to live with integrity and humility. Like Paul, we must stand firm in our faith and work toward unity, even when it is difficult. Like the disciples, we must approach prayer with sincerity and openness, trusting in God’s love and guidance. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that reflects the unity and love of Christ? Do my prayers align with my actions? May we strive to be people of integrity, rooted in prayer and committed to building a world where all can experience the Good News of Jesus Christ.