Daily Readings - Tue Oct 20 2020
Ephesians
12remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.14For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility15by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,16and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.17And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.18For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.19So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God,20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,21in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.22In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Luke
35"Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,36and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.37Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.38If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity and preparedness, both essential for a life rooted in faith. The first reading from Ephesians reminds us that through Christ, we are united, breaking down walls of separation and becoming part of God's household. This unity is not just a spiritual concept but a call to live as one body, reconciled through Christ's sacrifice. The context of Paul's letter to the Ephesians emphasizes the inclusion of Gentiles, illustrating God's plan to unify all people in His family.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to preparedness. Jesus teaches us to be vigilant, like servants awaiting their master's return. This preparedness is not about fear but about faithful living, ensuring our actions reflect our commitment to Christ. The servants who are ready are blessed, as they embody the readiness to serve at any moment, trusting in God's timing.
Together, these readings call us to live in unity and vigilance. Our unity in Christ should inspire us to live harmoniously and supportively, while our preparedness should manifest in daily acts of service and mindfulness. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to be one in Christ and to live each day with the readiness to serve Him faithfully. Let us embrace this dual call, living as united and vigilant followers of Christ.