Daily Readings - Wed Oct 24 2018
Ephesians
1For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles--2assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you,3how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly.4When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ,5which was not made known to the sons of men in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit.6This mystery is that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.7Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God's grace, which was given me by the working of his power.8To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,9and to bring to light for everyone what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things,10so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.11This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,12in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.
Luke
39But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.40You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."41Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?"42And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?43Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.44Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.45But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,' and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,46the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful.47And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating.48But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we hear St. Paul speak of his mission to the Gentiles and the mystery of God’s plan, while Jesus teaches a parable about being prepared for the Master’s return. Both readings call us to faithfulness and trust in God’s plan.
In Ephesians, Paul humbly acknowledges his role as a minister of the Gospel, despite being the least of the saints. He emphasizes that God’s plan is universal, embracing all people, and that the Church is a sign of God’s wisdom to the world. This reminds us that our faith is not just for ourselves but for the wider world. In the Gospel, Jesus warns us to be vigilant and faithful stewards, using the parable of the master returning unexpectedly. The faithful steward is blessed, while the unfaithful one faces judgment. This teaches us that our actions have consequences and that we must be prepared to give an account of our lives.
These readings remind us to live with purpose and responsibility. Like Paul, we are called to share the Gospel in our own way, trusting in God’s plan. Like the stewards in the parable, we must use the gifts and talents we’ve been given wisely, knowing that we will be held accountable. Let us approach life with faithfulness and trust, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding in our lives. May we be found faithful when the Master returns.