Daily Readings - Thu Sep 23 2021
Haggai
1In the second year of king Darius, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came, by the hand of Haggai the prophet, to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jesus the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying2Thus says the Lord of hosts, saying: This people claims that the time has not yet arrived for building the house of the Lord3But the word of the Lord came by the hand of Haggai the prophet, saying4Is it time for you to dwell in paneled houses, while this house is deserted5And now, thus says the Lord of hosts: Set your hearts upon your ways6You sowed much and have brought in little. You consumed and have not been satisfied. You drank and have not been inebriated. You covered yourselves and have not been warmed. And whoever gathered wages, has put them in a bag with holes7Thus says the Lord of hosts: Set your hearts upon your ways8Ascend to the mountain, bring wood and build the house, and it shall be acceptable to me, and I shall be glorified, says the Lord
Luke
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all the things that were being done by him, but he doubted, because it was sai8by some, "For John has risen from the dead," yet truly, by others, "For Elijah has appeared," and by still others, "For one of the prophets from of old has risen again.9And Herod said: "I beheaded John. So then, who is this, about whom I hear such things?" And he sought to see him
Sermon
The first reading from Haggai reminds us of a time when God’s people had lost focus on what truly mattered. After returning from exile, they were more concerned with building their own comfortable homes than with rebuilding the Temple, the house of God. Haggai, speaking on behalf of the Lord, challenges them to examine their priorities. He points out the futility of seeking satisfaction in material wealth and comfort while neglecting their spiritual responsibilities. The prophet calls them to “set their hearts on their ways” and to ascend the mountain to gather the resources needed to restore God’s house. This was not just about physical construction but about renewing their relationship with God and putting Him first in their lives.
In the Gospel, we encounter Herod, a man consumed by curiosity and doubt. He had heard of Jesus’ miracles and teachings but was uncertain about who Jesus truly was. Some thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead, while others believed He was Elijah or one of the ancient prophets. Herod, who had beheaded John, was particularly troubled, seeking to see Jesus for himself. This passage highlights the spiritual confusion that can arise when we fail to seek the truth with an open and humble heart. Herod’s doubt and curiosity were rooted in his own guilt and lack of faith, rather than a genuine desire to know and follow God.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own spiritual lives. Like the people in Haggai’s time, we may often prioritize comfort and worldly pursuits over our relationship with God. We may, like Herod, find ourselves in a state of spiritual confusion, unsure of how to respond to God’s presence in our lives. The readings remind us that true fulfillment and clarity come only when we set our hearts on God and seek to build our lives on a foundation of faith. Let us ask ourselves: Are we neglecting the spiritual temple within us? Are we seeking God with genuine humility and openness? May we, like Haggai’s audience, ascend the mountain of prayer and sacrifice, and may we, like those who truly seek Jesus, find the peace and clarity that only He can give.