Daily Readings - Wed Oct 21 2020
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 from Ephesians and Luke, both emphasizing themes of responsibility and preparedness. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, humbly shares his mission to the Gentiles, highlighting the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. He underscores the mystery of Christ, once hidden but now revealed through the Church, emphasizing his role as a steward of the Gospel. Meanwhile, Luke's Gospel presents a parable about a faithful steward, urging preparedness for the Master's return, with rewards for the diligent and consequences for the negligent.
These readings connect through the theme of stewardship. Paul is a steward of the Gospel, entrusted with spreading its message, while Luke's parable illustrates the servants' responsibility to manage their master's household faithfully. Both emphasize the importance of being prepared and accountable for our actions.
In our daily lives, we are all stewards of the resources and talents entrusted to us. Whether in our careers, families, or communities, we must use these gifts wisely. The readings encourage us to be vigilant and faithful, recognizing that our actions have consequences. Let us embrace our roles with diligence and integrity, striving to be good stewards of all that we have. The moral lesson is clear: our faithfulness and preparedness are not just duties but reflections of our commitment to God.