Daily Readings - Thu Sep 25 2025
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. The first reading from Haggai challenges the people to prioritize the reconstruction of the Temple, emphasizing that their personal comforts should not overshadow their spiritual duties. Haggai urges them to recognize the futility of seeking fulfillment in material wealth alone and to instead focus on rebuilding their spiritual foundation. The Gospel of Luke presents Herod, who is perplexed by the rumors surrounding Jesus. Herod's curiosity, however, seems to stem from a place of uncertainty rather than a genuine quest for truth, highlighting the human tendency to be indifferent or confused in the face of divine presence.
Both readings remind us of the importance of actively seeking God. Haggai's call to action underscores the need to set our hearts on the right path, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from honoring God. Herod's reaction, on the other hand, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of spiritual complacency and the dangers of being content with mere curiosity rather than pursuing a deeper understanding of God's will. These passages encourage us to examine our own priorities and responses to God's presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our commitment to our faith. Like the people in Haggai's time, we may find ourselves distracted by worldly comforts, neglecting the spiritual foundations that truly sustain us. Similarly, we may encounter moments of doubt or confusion, as Herod did, where we question the nature of God's work in our lives. The moral lesson here is clear: we must not delay in responding to God's call. Instead, we should seek Him with urgency and intentionality, ensuring that our actions and priorities reflect a genuine commitment to His will. Let us strive to rebuild our spiritual temples and actively pursue a deeper relationship with God, rather than allowing indifference or confusion to guide our way.