Daily Readings - Tue Sep 24 2019
Ezra
1Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in the house of the rolls, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.6Now therefore, Tatnai, governor beyond the river, Shetharboznai, and your companions the Apharsachites, which are beyond the river, be ye far from thence:7Let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in his place.8Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.12And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.14And the elders of the Jews builded, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they builded, and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes king of Persia.15And this house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king.16And the children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy,17And offered at the dedication of this house of God an hundred bullocks, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.18And they set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.19And the children of the captivity kept the passover upon the fourteenth day of the first month.20For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves.
Luke
19Then came to him his mother and his brethren, and could not come at him for the press.20And it was told him by certain which said, Thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to see thee.21And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, community, and commitment. The first reading from Ezra recounts the challenges faced by the Israelites as they rebuilt the Temple in Jerusalem after their exile. Despite opposition, they persevered, supported by King Darius, who recognized the importance of their spiritual mission. Their dedication culminated in a joyful celebration of the Temple's dedication and the Passover, symbolizing their renewed covenant with God.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus redefining family. When His mother and brothers arrived, He emphasized that His true family includes those who hear and act on God's word. This teaching challenges us to consider our spiritual family—those who share our commitment to living out faith.
These readings connect through themes of community and perseverance. The Israelites' determination to rebuild the Temple mirrors our own spiritual journeys, where obstacles are inevitable. Jesus' message reminds us that our true community is bound by faith, not just blood ties. In our daily lives, we are called to stay committed to our spiritual goals, just as the Israelites did, and to recognize our broader spiritual family.
May we draw strength from these stories, persevering in faith and embracing our role within the community of believers. Let us live out our faith with dedication and joy, just as the Israelites did, and may our actions reflect our commitment to God's word.