Daily Readings - Wed Oct 23 2024
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 are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with faith. The first reading from Ephesians highlights Paul’s mission to the Gentiles, a mission rooted in God’s grace and the revelation of a mystery once hidden but now made known through the Gospel. Paul humbly acknowledges his role as a servant of this mystery, entrusted with the task of enlightening all people to the boundless riches of Christ. The second reading from Luke presents a parable about a master returning unexpectedly, urging us to be prepared and faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities we have been given. Together, these readings call us to reflect on our own roles as disciples and the trust placed in us by God.
The readings are deeply interconnected, as both emphasize the themes of trust, responsibility, and accountability. In Ephesians, Paul’s stewardship of the Gospel is a sacred trust, one that requires him to act with prudence and fidelity. Similarly, in Luke, Jesus warns us that our faithfulness in managing the resources and talents we have been given will be tested when He returns. The parable reminds us that much is expected from those to whom much has been given. This connection invites us to consider how we use our gifts, talents, and time in service to God and others.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are challenged to live with intentionality and integrity. Whether in our personal relationships, our work, or our service to the Church, we are called to be faithful stewards. This means being vigilant, prepared, and mindful of the trust placed in us. It also means recognizing that our actions have consequences, not only in this life but in the life to come. Let us ask ourselves: Am I using the gifts God has given me in a way that reflects His love and wisdom? Am I living in such a way that I am prepared to give an account of my life when He returns? May we strive to be faithful and prudent, trusting in God’s grace to guide us as we fulfill our mission to spread the Gospel and serve one another.