Daily Readings - Mon Sep 25 2017
First Reading - Ezra 1.1-6
Ezra
1Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,2Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.3Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.4And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.5Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.6And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.
Gospel - Luke 8.16-18
Luke
16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the theme of openness to God’s plan and the importance of living as faithful stewards of His light in the world. In the first reading from Ezra, we hear the story of Cyrus, the Persian king, who, inspired by God, issues a decree allowing the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This passage reminds us that God works through unexpected people and circumstances to fulfill His purposes. The Israelites, though exiled, are called to trust in God’s providence and respond generously to His call, whether through physical labor or material support.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the nature of light and how it is meant to be shared, not hidden. He warns us to be attentive to how we listen to His word, for those who are open and receptive will receive more, while those who are closed off will lose even what they think they have. This is a call to live with hearts and minds open to God’s truth, allowing His light to shine through us for the benefit of others.
These readings challenge us to examine our own response to God’s call in our lives. Like the Israelites, we are invited to trust in God’s plan and contribute our time, talents, and resources to build up His kingdom. Like the lamp placed on a lampstand, we are called to live transparently and generously, allowing the light of Christ to shine through us. May we, like Cyrus and the returning exiles, be moved by God’s Spirit to act with courage and faith, and may we, like the attentive listener in the Gospel, remain open to the Word of God, so that His light may illuminate our lives and the lives of those around us.