Daily Readings - Wed Oct 10 2018
Galatians
1Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.2I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.7On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised8(for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles),9and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.10Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.12For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.13And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.14But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"
Luke
1Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples."2And he said to them, "When you pray, say: "Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.3Give us each day our daily bread,4and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on unity, integrity, and the power of prayer. In the first reading from Galatians, Paul shares his experience of defending the Gospel to the Gentiles and confronting Peter for his hypocrisy. This passage reminds us that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background, and that unity in Christ should transcend human divisions. Paul’s courage to stand up for the truth, even against a fellow apostle, teaches us the importance of living authentically and not compromising the Gospel for the sake of convenience or approval.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is more than just a formula; it is a way of life. It calls us to reverence God’s name, to seek His kingdom, and to trust in His providence. The prayer also emphasizes forgiveness and our responsibility to forgive others. Jesus reminds us that our relationship with God is deeply connected to our relationships with others. If we pray for forgiveness, we must also extend forgiveness to those who wrong us.
Today’s readings challenge us to live with integrity and humility. Like Paul, we must stand firm in our faith and work toward unity, even when it is difficult. Like the disciples, we must approach prayer with sincerity and openness, trusting in God’s love and guidance. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that reflects the unity and love of Christ? Do my prayers align with my actions? May we strive to be people of integrity, rooted in prayer and committed to building a world where all can experience the Good News of Jesus Christ.