Daily Readings - Wed Oct 30 2024
Ephesians
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is just2Honor your father and your mother. This is the first commandment with a promise3so that it may be well with you, and so that you may have a long life upon the earth4And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but educate them with the discipline and correction of the Lord5Servants, be obedient to your lords according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the simplicity of your heart, as to Christ6Do not serve only when seen, as if to please men, but act as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart7Serve with good will, as to the Lord, and not to men8For you know that whatever good each one will do, the same will he receive from the Lord, whether he is servant or free9And you, lords, act similarly toward them, setting aside threats, knowing that the Lord of both you and them is in heaven. For with him there is no favoritism toward anyone
Luke
22And he was traveling through the cities and towns, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem23And someone said to him, "Lord, are they few who are saved?" But he said to them24"Strive to enter through the narrow gate. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and not be able25Then, when the father of the family will have entered and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us.’ And in response, he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.26Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.27And he will say to you: ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!28In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, yet you yourselves are expelled outside29And they will arrive from the East, and the West, and the North, and the South; and they will recline at table in the kingdom of God30And behold, those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are presented with two distinct yet interconnected messages about living a life aligned with God’s will. The first reading from Ephesians offers guidance on relationships within the household, emphasizing mutual respect and fairness. It reminds us that our roles as parents, children, servants, and masters are not just earthly duties but opportunities to reflect God’s love and justice. The Gospel from Luke, however, shifts our focus to the urgency of salvation. Jesus speaks of the narrow gate, warning that many will attempt to enter the kingdom of God but will fail, not because they lacked knowledge, but because they did not live according to God’s will.
The context of Ephesians is rooted in the early Christian community, providing a blueprint for harmonious living. It encourages believers to embrace their roles with integrity, ensuring that fairness and compassion guide their interactions. In contrast, Luke’s passage captures Jesus during his journey to Jerusalem, where he teaches about the kingdom’s inclusivity and the criteria for entry. Both readings, while addressing different aspects of life, converge on the theme of living intentionally—whether in our daily relationships or in our spiritual journey.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are reminded to conduct ourselves with integrity in all relationships, treating others with the respect and fairness that God expects. From Luke, we learn that our spiritual state requires more than superficial devotion; it demands a life of obedience and love. The moral lesson here is clear: our actions have eternal consequences. Being a Christian is not merely about outward appearances but about living a life that truly reflects Christ’s teachings. We must examine our hearts and ensure our actions align with God’s will, striving to enter the narrow gate with sincerity and dedication.