Daily Readings - Wed Oct 19 2022
Ephesians
1By reason of this grace, I, Paul, am a prisoner of Jesus Christ, for the sake of you Gentiles2Now certainly, you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God, which has been given to me among you3that, by means of revelation, the mystery was made known to me, just as I have written above in a few words4Yet, by reading this closely, you might be able to understand my prudence in the mystery of Christ5In other generations, this was unknown to the sons of men, even as it has now been revealed to his holy Apostles and Prophets in the Spirit6so that the Gentiles would be co-heirs, and of the same body, and partners together, by his promise in Christ Jesus, through the Gospel7Of this Gospel, I have been made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God, which has been given to me by means of the operation of his virtue8Although I am the least of all the saints, I have been given this grace: to evangelize among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ9and to enlighten everyone concerning the dispensation of the mystery, hidden before the ages in God who created all things10so that the manifold wisdom of God may become well-known to the principalities and powers in the heavens, through the Church11according to that timeless purpose, which he has formed in Christ Jesus our Lord12In him we trust, and so we approach with confidence, through his faith
Luke
39But know this: that if the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly stand watch, and he would not permit his house to be broken into40You also must be prepared. For the Son of man will return at an hour that you will not realize.41Then Peter said to him, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or also to everyone?42So the Lord said: "Who do you think is the faithful and prudent steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his family, in order to give them their measure of wheat in due time43Blessed is that servant if, when his Lord will return, he will find him acting in this manner44Truly I say to you, that he will appoint him over all that he possesses45But if that servant will have said in his heart, ‘My Lord has made a delay in his return,’ and if he has begun to strike the men and women servants, and to eat and drink, and to be inebriated46then the Lord of that servant will return on a day which he hoped not, and at an hour which he knew not. And he will separate him, and he will place his portion with that of the unfaithful47And that servant, who knew the will of his Lord, and who did not prepare and did not act according to his will, will be beaten many times over48Yet he who did not know, and who acted in a way that deserves a beating, will be beaten fewer times. So then, of all to whom much has been given, much will be required. And of those to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be asked
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful reminders of God’s grace and our responsibility to live with faithfulness and preparedness. The first reading from Ephesians reveals Paul’s profound humility and gratitude as he reflects on his mission to the Gentiles. Once a persecutor of the Church, Paul was transformed by God’s grace and entrusted with the task of proclaiming the Gospel to those who were once strangers to God’s covenant. He emphasizes that this mystery of unity—Jews and Gentiles together as co-heirs in Christ—was hidden for ages but has now been revealed through the Church. Paul’s words invite us to marvel at the boundless wisdom and generosity of God, who has entrusted us with the riches of Christ’s grace.
The Gospel from Luke complements this theme with Jesus’ parable of the faithful steward. The parable warns us to be vigilant and prepared for the Lord’s return, for we do not know the hour when he will come. Jesus emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and responsibility, especially for those who have been entrusted with much. The unfaithful servant who neglects his duties and indulges in sin will face judgment, while the faithful steward who serves with prudence and care will be rewarded. This teaching challenges us to examine how we are using the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given us. Are we living as if the Lord might return at any moment, or are we growing complacent and distracted by the cares of the world?
These readings call us to reflect on our spiritual lives and our role as stewards of God’s grace. Like Paul, we are called to share the Gospel with others, not because of our own worthiness, but because of God’s mercy and trust in us. Like the faithful steward, we are to live with purpose and integrity, knowing that our actions have consequences. Let us ask ourselves: Am I using the gifts and resources God has given me to build up the Kingdom? Am I prepared to give an account of my life when the Lord returns? May we embrace the wisdom of these readings and strive to live with faith, gratitude, and a deep trust in God’s plan.