Daily Readings - Wed Oct 21 2020
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 from Ephesians and Luke, both emphasizing themes of responsibility and preparedness. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, humbly shares his mission to the Gentiles, highlighting the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. He underscores the mystery of Christ, once hidden but now revealed through the Church, emphasizing his role as a steward of the Gospel. Meanwhile, Luke's Gospel presents a parable about a faithful steward, urging preparedness for the Master's return, with rewards for the diligent and consequences for the negligent.
These readings connect through the theme of stewardship. Paul is a steward of the Gospel, entrusted with spreading its message, while Luke's parable illustrates the servants' responsibility to manage their master's household faithfully. Both emphasize the importance of being prepared and accountable for our actions.
In our daily lives, we are all stewards of the resources and talents entrusted to us. Whether in our careers, families, or communities, we must use these gifts wisely. The readings encourage us to be vigilant and faithful, recognizing that our actions have consequences. Let us embrace our roles with diligence and integrity, striving to be good stewards of all that we have. The moral lesson is clear: our faithfulness and preparedness are not just duties but reflections of our commitment to God.