Daily Readings - Wed Oct 05 2022
Galatians
1Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;8For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Luke
1And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.2And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.3Give us day by day our daily bread.4And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons about unity, prayer, and living out our faith authentically. The first reading from Galatians describes a pivotal moment in the early Church when Paul confronts Peter about hypocrisy. Peter had been eating with Gentile believers but withdrew when Jewish Christians arrived, fearing judgment. Paul calls him out, emphasizing that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background. This passage reminds us that our faith should transcend divisions and that we are called to live out the truth of the Gospel without compromise.
The Gospel reading from Luke offers us the Lord’s Prayer, a timeless guide to authentic prayer. Jesus teaches us to address God as Father, seeking His will and provision while asking for forgiveness and protection from temptation. This prayer is not just a formula but a way of life—it calls us to humility, dependence on God, and a commitment to forgive others as we seek forgiveness. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in unity and integrity.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are there areas where we compartmentalize our faith or exclude others? Do we pray with sincerity, seeking God’s will and forgiveness? May we, like Paul, stand for the truth of the Gospel, embracing all people as equal in God’s eyes. And may our prayers, like the Lord’s Prayer, root us in humility and a deep connection to our Father. Let us strive to live as one body in Christ, united in love and prayer.