Daily Readings - Wed Oct 09 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of unity, inclusion, and the essence of prayer. In the first reading from Galatians, Paul recounts his journey within the early Christian community, highlighting the debate over whether Gentiles needed to adopt Jewish customs to be part of the church. Paul's stance is clear: the Gospel is for all, and he confronts Peter for his hypocrisy in distancing himself from Gentile believers when under pressure. This passage underscores the importance of consistency between our faith and actions, emphasizing that true faith should not waver under social pressures.
The Gospel from Luke presents the Lord's Prayer, a timeless lesson on how to pray. Jesus teaches us to address God as Father, seek His will, ask for our needs, and request forgiveness and guidance. This prayer is not just individual but communal, reflecting our shared humanity and the need for reconciliation. It reminds us that prayer should be humble, focused on God's will, and mindful of our responsibilities to each other.
These readings together call us to live out our faith with integrity and inclusivity. Just as Paul advocated for the Gentiles' inclusion, we should work towards unity and acceptance in our communities. The Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray with sincerity and a communal spirit, recognizing our dependence on God and each other. Let us strive to embody these lessons, ensuring our actions reflect our beliefs and our prayers nurture a deeper connection with God and our neighbors.