Daily Readings - Sat Sep 21 2019
Ephesians
1I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.4There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call--5one Lord, one faith, one baptism,6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.7But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.11And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,13until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
Matthew
9As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, "Follow me." And he rose and followed him.10And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples.11And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"12But when he heard it, he said, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.13Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the essence of our calling as followers of Christ and the nature of His mission. In Ephesians, we are reminded of the importance of living a life worthy of our vocation, one that is characterized by humility, patience, and unity. The passage emphasizes that each of us has been given unique gifts by God, not for our own glory, but for the building up of the body of Christ. This diversity of gifts is a reflection of the rich tapestry of the Church, where each member plays a vital role in the edification of the community. The ultimate goal is the unity of faith and the full knowledge of the Son of God, where we all reach the stature of the fullness of Christ.
In the Gospel, we encounter Jesus, who defies the expectations of the Pharisees by dining with tax collectors and sinners. This act of mercy and compassion is a powerful reminder that Christ came not for the righteous, but for those who are in need of healing and forgiveness. The Pharisees, focused on outward appearances and strict adherence to the law, fail to understand the heart of God’s mercy. Jesus’ response, “I desire mercy and not sacrifice,” cuts to the core of what it means to follow Him. It is not about external rituals or self-righteousness, but about living a life of love, compassion, and humility.
These readings challenge us to examine our own lives and relationships. Are we living in a way that reflects the unity and humility called for in Ephesians? Are we reaching out to those on the margins, as Jesus did, or are we content to remain in our comfortable circles? The call to mercy and compassion is not optional; it is at the very heart of the Gospel. Let us strive to be instruments of God’s mercy, embracing our own brokenness and recognizing the dignity of every person. In doing so, we not only build up the body of Christ but also become the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs His love.