Daily Readings - Mon Oct 26 2020
Ephesians
32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
1Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;2And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.3But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;4Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.5For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.7Be not ye therefore partakers with them.8For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Luke
10And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath.11And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.12And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.13And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.14And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because that Jesus had healed on the sabbath day, and said unto the people, There are six days in which men ought to work: in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the sabbath day.15The Lord then answered him, and said, Thou hypocrite, doth not each one of you on the sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?16And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?17And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed: and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of God’s love and the call to live as children of light. The first reading from Ephesians urges us to embrace kindness, forgiveness, and purity, warning us against the darkness of sin and the emptiness of worldly desires. It calls us to imitate God by walking in love, just as Christ loved us and sacrificed himself for us. The second reading from Luke presents a vivid scene of Jesus healing a woman on the Sabbath, which sparks controversy with the synagogue ruler. Jesus’ compassionate act challenges the rigid observance of the law, emphasizing that God’s mercy and healing know no bounds—not even the Sabbath.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on living according to God’s will and prioritizing love and compassion over human traditions. Ephesians reminds us that our actions should reflect our identity as children of light, while Luke’s Gospel shows us that true freedom and healing come from God’s grace, not from adherence to rules for their own sake. Both readings call us to examine our hearts and actions, ensuring that they align with the love and mercy of Christ.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we living as children of light, or are we still walking in darkness? Do we allow God’s love to transform us, or do we cling to habits and attitudes that separate us from him? Let us strive to imitate Christ by showing compassion to those around us, even when it challenges the status quo. May we embrace the freedom of living in God’s light and share that light with a world in need of his love and healing.