Daily Readings - Tue Oct 22 2024
Ephesians
12and that you were, in that time, without Christ, being foreign to the way of life of Israel, being visitors to the testament, having no hope of the promise, and being without God in this world13But now, in Christ Jesus, you, who were in times past far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ14For he is our peace. He made the two into one, by dissolving the intermediate wall of separation, of opposition, by his flesh15emptying the law of commandments by decree, so that he might join these two, in himself, into one new man, making peac16and reconciling both to God, in one body, through the cross, destroying this opposition in himself17And upon arriving, he evangelized peace to you who were far away, and peace to those who were near18For by him, we both have access, in the one Spirit, to the Father19Now, 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
35Let your waists be girded, and let lamps be burning in your hands36And let you yourselves be like men awaiting their lord, when he will return from the wedding; so that, when he arrives and knocks, they may open to him promptly37Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he returns, will find being vigilant. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, while he, continuing on, will minister to them38And if he will return in the second watch, or if in the third watch, and if he will find them to be so: then blessed are those servants
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound unity and purpose that Christ brings into our lives. The first reading from Ephesians highlights how Christ has reconciled Jews and Gentiles, breaking down the walls of division and uniting all people in His body. This unity is not just a historical fact but a living reality where each of us is a vital part of God's household, with Jesus as the cornerstone. The Gospel from Luke, however, shifts our focus to the importance of being prepared and vigilant, using the metaphor of servants awaiting their master's return. This serves as a powerful reminder to live each day with the awareness that our actions have eternal significance.
The context of Ephesians is rooted in the early Christian Church, addressing the inclusion of Gentiles into a community once reserved for Jews. This letter emphasizes the universal nature of Christ's salvation and the new identity believers share in Him. Luke's passage, part of Jesus' teachings on discipleship, underscores the necessity of readiness and faithfulness, urging believers to live with purpose and expectation, knowing that God's timing is not our own. Together, these readings connect unity with purpose, suggesting that our life in Christ should be both reconciled and prepared.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embrace our unity in Christ actively. This means seeking reconciliation in our relationships and living as temples of God, mindful of His presence within us. The call to vigilance in Luke encourages us to stay spiritually alert, not out of fear, but out of love and devotion. It invites us to serve others as part of the body of Christ, reflecting His love in our actions and decisions. This mindset transforms our ordinary tasks into extraordinary acts of faith, as we live each moment with the awareness of God's presence and purpose.
In reflection, these readings offer a moral and spiritual lesson about living with intention and awareness. Our unity in Christ compels us to live in a way that reflects His love and reconciliation. The call to vigilance reminds us that our journey with God is ongoing, requiring us to stay attentive and faithful. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember that our actions today are part of a larger story of God's kingdom, urging us to live with purpose, unity, and eternal perspective.