Daily Readings - Thu Sep 28 2023
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
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our place in His plan. The first reading from Haggai challenges us to examine our priorities. The prophet Haggai calls the people to rebuild the Temple, emphasizing that their current struggles stem from neglecting God's house while prioritizing their own comfort. This message, delivered in the post-exile era, reminds us that our spiritual well-being should never take a backseat to material comfort.
The Gospel from Luke presents Herod, a man of power, who is both curious and uncertain about Jesus. Herod's reaction reflects a common human response to the divine—curiosity without commitment. This passage, set during Jesus' ministry, highlights the various ways people perceive Jesus, from a resurrected prophet to a new Elijah. Herod's indecision serves as a mirror, prompting us to consider our own response to Jesus.
Both readings urge us to move beyond indifference and mere curiosity. Haggai calls us to prioritize God, recognizing that our true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with His will. Luke reminds us that encountering Jesus demands more than passing interest; it requires a commitment to follow Him. As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek God with intentionality, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith. May we rebuild our spiritual foundations and actively pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, moving beyond curiosity to a life of devoted discipleship.