Daily Readings - Tue Oct 23 2018
Ephesians
12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.19Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;20And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;21In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:22In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
Luke
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the profound unity and purpose that Christ brings into our lives. In the first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul speaks of a time when Gentiles were far from God, without hope or a covenant. But through Christ, this division was bridged, and all people—Jews and Gentiles alike—were united into one body. Christ’s sacrifice destroyed the walls of hostility and made us citizens of God’s household, built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes that our faith is not just individual but communal; we are part of a living temple where God dwells.
In the Gospel, Luke presents a parable about vigilant servants waiting for their master’s return. Jesus urges us to be prepared, with our “lamps burning” and our “waists girded,” ready to open the door promptly when he comes. The servants who are found watchful and faithful are blessed, and the master himself will serve them. This teaching calls us to live with a sense of expectation and readiness, not out of fear, but out of love and fidelity. It reminds us that our lives are not our own; we are called to be attentive and faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to us.
These readings are deeply connected. The unity and peace Christ brings, as described in Ephesians, are the foundation for the vigilant and purposeful living encouraged in Luke. To live as children of God, united in Christ, means embracing a life of readiness and service. We are called to be alert to God’s presence in our lives and to use our time and talents wisely, knowing that we are part of a larger household. May we strive to live with gratitude for the unity Christ has given us and with the faithfulness and vigilance that reflects our hope in him.