Daily Readings - Wed Oct 01 2025
Nehemiah
1Now it happened that, in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of king Artaxerxes, wine was before him; and I lifted up the wine, and I gave it to the king. And I was like someone languishing before his face2And the king said to me: "Why is your expression sad, though you do not appear to be sick? This is not without cause, but some evil, I know not what, is in your heart." And I was struck with an exceedingly great fear3And I said to the king: "O king, live forever. Why should my expression not be mournful, since the city of the house of the sepulchers of my father is desolate, and its gates have been burned with fire?4And the king said to me: "What would you request?" And I prayed to the God of heaven5And I said to the king: "If it seems good to the king, and if your servant is pleasing before your face: that you would send me into Judea, to the city of the sepulcher of my father. And I will rebuild it.6And the king said to me, with the queen who was sitting beside him: "Until what time will your journey be, and when will you return?" And it was pleasing before the countenance of the king, and so he sent me. And I established a time for him7And I said to the king: "If it seems good to the king, may he give me letters to the governors of the region beyond the river, so that they may lead me through, until I arrive in Judea8and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, so that he may give me timber, in order that I may be able to cover the gates of the tower of the house, and the walls of the city, and the house that I will enter." And the king granted to me in accord with the good hand of my God, who is with me
Luke
57And it happened that, as they were walking along the way, someone said to him, "I will follow you, wherever you will go.58Jesus said to him: "Foxes have dens, and the birds of the air have nests. But the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head.59Then he said to another, "Follow me." But he said, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.60And Jesus said to him: "Let the dead bury their dead. But you go and announce the kingdom of God.61And another said: "I will follow you, Lord. But permit me first to explain this to those of my house.62Jesus said to him, "No one who puts his hand to the plow, and then looks back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our response to God's call. The first reading from Nehemiah introduces us to a man of deep faith and courage. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, is moved by the desolation of Jerusalem and seeks permission to rebuild it. His prayerful approach and the king's favorable response highlight the importance of trusting in God's providence and taking bold action for the greater good.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus challenging three potential followers, emphasizing the radical commitment required for discipleship. Each interaction underscores that following Jesus means surrendering personal comforts and priorities for the sake of the kingdom. This teaching is set against the backdrop of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, where he continually emphasizes the cost of discipleship.
Both readings relate through their themes of call and response. Nehemiah's call to rebuild Jerusalem and Jesus' call to follow him remind us that our faith is not passive but active. They challenge us to discern God's will in our lives and to trust in His guidance, even when the path is uncertain or difficult. As we navigate our own journeys, may we embrace the courage and commitment exemplified by Nehemiah and the teachings of Jesus, prioritizing God's will above all else. Let us strive to follow with hearts fully dedicated, trusting that our sacrifices will bear fruit in His kingdom.