Daily Readings - Mon Sep 20 2021
Ezra
1Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,2Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.3Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.4And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.5Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.6And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.
Luke
16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s providence and our responsibility to live as faithful stewards of His gifts. In the first reading from Ezra, we see how God moves the heart of Cyrus, a pagan king, to allow the Israelites to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This passage highlights God’s ability to work through unexpected means to fulfill His plan. The Israelites, now freed from exile, are called to collaborate in this sacred task, with each person contributing according to their ability. This moment marks a new beginning for God’s people, a sign of hope and renewal after a season of darkness.
In the Gospel, Jesus reminds us that the light of God’s truth cannot remain hidden. Using the image of a lamp, He teaches that our faith and the gifts we receive are meant to be shared openly with others. Jesus also warns us to listen carefully, for how we respond to God’s word will determine whether we grow in faith or lose even what we have. This is both a call to accountability and an encouragement to live transparently, allowing the light of Christ to shine through our words and actions.
Together, these readings challenge us to recognize that we, like the Israelites, are part of a larger story. God has entrusted us with unique gifts and talents, and we are called to use them for the building up of His kingdom. Whether through acts of service, sharing our faith, or simply living with integrity, we are to be visible signs of God’s presence in the world. Let us ask ourselves: Are we using our resources and talents to further God’s plan? Are we living in such a way that others can see the light of Christ in us? May we respond generously to God’s call, knowing that our efforts, no matter how small, contribute to something much greater than ourselves.