Daily Readings - Thu Sep 25 2025
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. The first reading from Haggai challenges the people to prioritize the reconstruction of the Temple, emphasizing that their personal comforts should not overshadow their spiritual duties. Haggai urges them to recognize the futility of seeking fulfillment in material wealth alone and to instead focus on rebuilding their spiritual foundation. The Gospel of Luke presents Herod, who is perplexed by the rumors surrounding Jesus. Herod's curiosity, however, seems to stem from a place of uncertainty rather than a genuine quest for truth, highlighting the human tendency to be indifferent or confused in the face of divine presence.
Both readings remind us of the importance of actively seeking God. Haggai's call to action underscores the need to set our hearts on the right path, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from honoring God. Herod's reaction, on the other hand, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of spiritual complacency and the dangers of being content with mere curiosity rather than pursuing a deeper understanding of God's will. These passages encourage us to examine our own priorities and responses to God's presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our commitment to our faith. Like the people in Haggai's time, we may find ourselves distracted by worldly comforts, neglecting the spiritual foundations that truly sustain us. Similarly, we may encounter moments of doubt or confusion, as Herod did, where we question the nature of God's work in our lives. The moral lesson here is clear: we must not delay in responding to God's call. Instead, we should seek Him with urgency and intentionality, ensuring that our actions and priorities reflect a genuine commitment to His will. Let us strive to rebuild our spiritual temples and actively pursue a deeper relationship with God, rather than allowing indifference or confusion to guide our way.