Daily Readings - Fri Oct 28 2022
Ephesians
19Now, therefore, you are no longer visitors and new arrivals. Instead, you are citizens among the saints in the household of God20having been built upon the foundation of the Apostles and of the Prophets, with Jesus Christ himself as the preeminent cornerstone21In him, all that has been built is framed together, rising up into a holy temple in the Lord22In him, you also have been built together into a habitation of God in the Spirit
Luke
12And it happened that, in those days, he went out to a mountain to pray. And he was in the prayer of God throughout the night13And when daylight had arrived, he called his disciples. And he chose twelve out of them (whom he also named Apostles)14Simon, whom he surnamed Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew15Matthew and Thomas, James of Alphaeus, and Simon who is called the Zealot16and Jude of James, and Judas Iscariot, who was a traitor17And descending with them, he stood in a level place with a multitude of his disciples, and a copious multitude of people from all of Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast, and Tyre and Sidon18who had come so that they might listen to him and be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled by unclean spirits were cured19And the entire crowd was trying to touch him, because power went out from him and healed all
Sermon
The readings today remind us of our identity as followers of Christ and the mission we are called to undertake. In the first reading from Ephesians, we hear that we are no longer strangers or outsiders but are now citizens in God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our unity and belonging in the Body of Christ, where each of us plays a vital role in the structure of God’s holy temple. In the Gospel, Luke describes Jesus choosing the Twelve Apostles and then descending to a level place to preach and heal the multitudes. This scene highlights Jesus’ compassion and His mission to bring healing and hope to all people.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on community and mission. In Ephesians, we are reminded that we are part of a larger family, the household of God, built on the foundation of faith and testimony. In Luke, we see Jesus forming a community of disciples and extending His mission of healing and teaching to the world. Together, these readings call us to recognize our place within the Church and to participate in Christ’s work of love and redemption.
As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How do we live out our identity as members of God’s household? Do we see ourselves as part of a larger community, or do we isolate ourselves? The Gospel shows us that Jesus did not remain on the mountain praying; He came down to the people, healing and teaching them. Similarly, we are called to move beyond our own comfort zones and share the love and hope of Christ with others. Let us strive to be like the Apostles, who were chosen not for their own sake but to serve the mission of Christ. May we, too, be instruments of healing and grace in the world, living out our faith with compassion and generosity.