Daily Readings - Wed Sep 21 2022
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
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound call to live a life of unity and compassion. The first reading from Ephesians encourages us to embrace our diverse roles within the Church, fostering unity through humility and patience. It highlights that each of us has been gifted by God to contribute to the community's growth and perfection. The Gospel from Matthew illustrates Jesus' mission to reach out to sinners, emphasizing that His ministry is one of mercy and inclusion, not exclusion or judgment.
The context of Ephesians is a letter to the early Christian community, urging believers to live in harmony and recognize the unique gifts each person brings. This diversity strengthens the body of Christ, enabling it to function effectively. In Matthew, Jesus' encounter with Matthew, a tax collector, and His subsequent dining with sinners, challenges the Pharisees' rigid views, underscoring that His mission is to bring healing and mercy to those who need it most.
These readings connect through their emphasis on unity and outreach. Ephesians calls us to unity despite our differences, while Matthew shows Jesus actively seeking out those on the margins. Together, they teach us that the Church is a place of inclusion, where everyone has a role and is deserving of mercy.
In our daily lives, we are called to live with humility and patience, recognizing the gifts in others and ourselves. We should strive to create communities that welcome everyone, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ. Just as Jesus reached out to sinners, we too should extend compassion and understanding, rather than judgment, to those around us.
The moral lesson here is clear: our faith is not about isolation but about connection and mercy. We are all part of the body of Christ, each with a unique role, and we are called to live in unity and love. Let us reflect on how we can embody these values, embracing our diversity and reaching out with the same mercy and compassion that Jesus showed.