Daily Readings - Wed Oct 09 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of unity, inclusion, and the essence of prayer. In the first reading from Galatians, Paul recounts his journey within the early Christian community, highlighting the debate over whether Gentiles needed to adopt Jewish customs to be part of the church. Paul's stance is clear: the Gospel is for all, and he confronts Peter for his hypocrisy in distancing himself from Gentile believers when under pressure. This passage underscores the importance of consistency between our faith and actions, emphasizing that true faith should not waver under social pressures.
The Gospel from Luke presents the Lord's Prayer, a timeless lesson on how to pray. Jesus teaches us to address God as Father, seek His will, ask for our needs, and request forgiveness and guidance. This prayer is not just individual but communal, reflecting our shared humanity and the need for reconciliation. It reminds us that prayer should be humble, focused on God's will, and mindful of our responsibilities to each other.
These readings together call us to live out our faith with integrity and inclusivity. Just as Paul advocated for the Gentiles' inclusion, we should work towards unity and acceptance in our communities. The Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray with sincerity and a communal spirit, recognizing our dependence on God and each other. Let us strive to embody these lessons, ensuring our actions reflect our beliefs and our prayers nurture a deeper connection with God and our neighbors.