Daily Readings - Thu Sep 28 2023
Haggai
1In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest:2"Thus says the LORD of hosts: These people say the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD."3Then the word of the LORD came by the hand of Haggai the prophet,4"Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?5Now, therefore, thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.6You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.7"Thus says the LORD of hosts: Consider your ways.8Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified, says the LORD.
Luke
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead,8by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the prophets of old had risen.9Herod said, "John I beheaded, but who is this about whom I hear such things?" And he sought to see him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our place in His plan. The first reading from Haggai challenges us to examine our priorities. The prophet Haggai calls the people to rebuild the Temple, emphasizing that their current struggles stem from neglecting God's house while prioritizing their own comfort. This message, delivered in the post-exile era, reminds us that our spiritual well-being should never take a backseat to material comfort.
The Gospel from Luke presents Herod, a man of power, who is both curious and uncertain about Jesus. Herod's reaction reflects a common human response to the divine—curiosity without commitment. This passage, set during Jesus' ministry, highlights the various ways people perceive Jesus, from a resurrected prophet to a new Elijah. Herod's indecision serves as a mirror, prompting us to consider our own response to Jesus.
Both readings urge us to move beyond indifference and mere curiosity. Haggai calls us to prioritize God, recognizing that our true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with His will. Luke reminds us that encountering Jesus demands more than passing interest; it requires a commitment to follow Him. As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek God with intentionality, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith. May we rebuild our spiritual foundations and actively pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, moving beyond curiosity to a life of devoted discipleship.