Daily Readings - Wed Oct 07 2020
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
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity, authenticity, and the power of prayer. The first reading from Galatians recounts Paul's journey to Jerusalem, where he and the apostles affirm the Gospel's universality for both Jews and Gentiles. Despite initial agreement, Paul confronts Peter for hypocrisy when Peter avoids Gentile believers, fearing judgment. This highlights the importance of living the Gospel truth without division.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing a communal and humble approach to prayer. It focuses on honoring God, seeking His will, and asking for forgiveness and guidance. This prayer teaches us to align our lives with God's purposes and to seek strength against temptation.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith must be lived authentically and unitedly. Prayer, as taught by Jesus, is not just a ritual but a way to stay connected to God and to each other. It calls us to forgive, seek God's kingdom, and avoid the temptations that divide us. Let us strive to live with such unity and authenticity, guided by prayer, reflecting God's love in our actions and relationships.