Daily Readings - Wed Oct 28 2020
Ephesians
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
12And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.13And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;14Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,15Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,16And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, which also was the traitor.17And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;18And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.19And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of our place within the body of Christ and the call to serve. The first reading from Ephesians highlights our identity as citizens in God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ as the cornerstone. This passage emphasizes our unity and purpose as part of a larger community, where each member contributes to the whole.
The Gospel from Luke illustrates this unity in action. Jesus, after a night of prayer, selects twelve apostles and descends to a place where a multitude gathers. Here, he heals and ministers, demonstrating the active role of the church in reaching out to the world. The connection between the readings lies in their focus on community—Ephesians on the structure and Luke on the dynamic mission of the church.
As we reflect on these readings, we are called to recognize our role within the body of Christ. We are not merely individuals but part of a community with a shared purpose. Our faith should inspire us to serve and care for others, just as Jesus did. Let us embrace our role in the church, supporting one another and reaching out to the world with love and healing. In doing so, we become the living temple of God, where His Spirit dwells and His work continues through us.