Daily Readings - Mon Sep 25 2017
Ezra
1In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:2"Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The LORD, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.3Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the LORD, the God of Israel--he is the God who is in Jerusalem.4And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem."5Then rose up the heads of the fathers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the LORD that is in Jerusalem.6And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with costly wares, besides all that was freely offered.
Luke
16"No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.17For nothing is hidden that will not be made manifest, nor is anything secret that will not be known and come to light.18Take care then how you hear, for to the one who has, more will be given, and from the one who has not, even what he thinks that he has will be taken away."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the theme of openness to God’s plan and the importance of living as faithful stewards of His light in the world. In the first reading from Ezra, we hear the story of Cyrus, the Persian king, who, inspired by God, issues a decree allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This passage reminds us that God works through unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. The Israelites, though exiled, are called to trust in God’s providence and respond generously to His call, whether through physical labor or material support.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the nature of light and how it is meant to be shared, not hidden. He warns us to be attentive to how we listen to His word, for those who are open and receptive will receive more, while those who are closed off will lose even what they think they have. This is a call to live with hearts and minds open to God’s truth, allowing His light to shine through us for the benefit of others.
These readings challenge us to examine our own response to God’s call in our lives. Like the Israelites, we are invited to trust in God’s plan and contribute our time, talents, and resources to build up His kingdom. Like the lamp placed on a lampstand, we are called to live transparently and generously, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us. May we, like Cyrus and the returning exiles, be moved by God’s Spirit to act with courage and faith, and may we, like the attentive listener in the Gospel, remain open to the Word of God, so that His light may illuminate our lives and the lives of those around us.