Daily Readings - Wed Oct 10 2018
Galatians
1Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;8For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Luke
1And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.3Give us day by day our daily bread.4And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on unity, integrity, and the power of prayer. In the first reading from Galatians, Paul shares his experience of defending the Gospel to the Gentiles and confronting Peter for his hypocrisy. This passage reminds us that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background, and that unity in Christ should transcend human divisions. Paul’s courage to stand up for the truth, even against a fellow apostle, teaches us the importance of living authentically and not compromising the Gospel for the sake of convenience or approval.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is more than just a formula; it is a way of life. It calls us to reverence God’s name, to seek His kingdom, and to trust in His providence. The prayer also emphasizes forgiveness and our responsibility to forgive others. Jesus reminds us that our relationship with God is deeply connected to our relationships with others. If we pray for forgiveness, we must also extend forgiveness to those who wrong us.
Today’s readings challenge us to live with integrity and humility. Like Paul, we must stand firm in our faith and work toward unity, even when it is difficult. Like the disciples, we must approach prayer with sincerity and openness, trusting in God’s love and guidance. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that reflects the unity and love of Christ? Do my prayers align with my actions? May we strive to be people of integrity, rooted in prayer and committed to building a world where all can experience the Good News of Jesus Christ.