Daily Readings - Wed Oct 05 2022
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 encounter powerful lessons about unity, prayer, and living out our faith authentically. The first reading from Galatians describes a pivotal moment in the early Church when Paul confronts Peter about hypocrisy. Peter had been eating with Gentile believers but withdrew when Jewish Christians arrived, fearing judgment. Paul calls him out, emphasizing that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background. This passage reminds us that our faith should transcend divisions and that we are called to live out the truth of the Gospel without compromise.
The Gospel reading from Luke offers us the Lord’s Prayer, a timeless guide to authentic prayer. Jesus teaches us to address God as Father, seeking His will and provision while asking for forgiveness and protection from temptation. This prayer is not just a formula but a way of life—it calls us to humility, dependence on God, and a commitment to forgive others as we seek forgiveness. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in unity and integrity.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are there areas where we compartmentalize our faith or exclude others? Do we pray with sincerity, seeking God’s will and forgiveness? May we, like Paul, stand for the truth of the Gospel, embracing all people as equal in God’s eyes. And may our prayers, like the Lord’s Prayer, root us in humility and a deep connection to our Father. Let us strive to live as one body in Christ, united in love and prayer.