Daily Readings - Wed Oct 07 2020
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
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity, authenticity, and the power of prayer. The first reading from Galatians recounts Paul's journey to Jerusalem, where he and the apostles affirm the Gospel's universality for both Jews and Gentiles. Despite initial agreement, Paul confronts Peter for hypocrisy when Peter avoids Gentile believers, fearing judgment. This highlights the importance of living the Gospel truth without division.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing a communal and humble approach to prayer. It focuses on honoring God, seeking His will, and asking for forgiveness and guidance. This prayer teaches us to align our lives with God's purposes and to seek strength against temptation.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith must be lived authentically and unitedly. Prayer, as taught by Jesus, is not just a ritual but a way to stay connected to God and to each other. It calls us to forgive, seek God's kingdom, and avoid the temptations that divide us. Let us strive to live with such unity and authenticity, guided by prayer, reflecting God's love in our actions and relationships.