Daily Readings - Wed Oct 24 2018
Ephesians
1For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,2If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:3How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,4Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)5Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:7Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,11According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
Luke
39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.47And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we hear St. Paul speak of his mission to the Gentiles and the mystery of God’s plan, while Jesus teaches a parable about being prepared for the Master’s return. Both readings call us to faithfulness and trust in God’s plan.
In Ephesians, Paul humbly acknowledges his role as a minister of the Gospel, despite being the least of the saints. He emphasizes that God’s plan is universal, embracing all people, and that the Church is a sign of God’s wisdom to the world. This reminds us that our faith is not just for ourselves but for the wider world. In the Gospel, Jesus warns us to be vigilant and faithful stewards, using the parable of the master returning unexpectedly. The faithful steward is blessed, while the unfaithful one faces judgment. This teaches us that our actions have consequences and that we must be prepared to give an account of our lives.
These readings remind us to live with purpose and responsibility. Like Paul, we are called to share the Gospel in our own way, trusting in God’s plan. Like the stewards in the parable, we must use the gifts and talents we’ve been given wisely, knowing that we will be held accountable. Let us approach life with faithfulness and trust, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding in our lives. May we be found faithful when the Master returns.