Daily Readings - Wed Oct 19 2022
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 encounter powerful reminders of God’s grace and our responsibility to live with faithfulness and preparedness. The first reading from Ephesians reveals Paul’s profound humility and gratitude as he reflects on his mission to the Gentiles. Once a persecutor of the Church, Paul was transformed by God’s grace and entrusted with the task of proclaiming the Gospel to those who were once strangers to God’s covenant. He emphasizes that this mystery of unity—Jews and Gentiles together as co-heirs in Christ—was hidden for ages but has now been revealed through the Church. Paul’s words invite us to marvel at the boundless wisdom and generosity of God, who has entrusted us with the riches of Christ’s grace.
The Gospel from Luke complements this theme with Jesus’ parable of the faithful steward. The parable warns us to be vigilant and prepared for the Lord’s return, for we do not know the hour when he will come. Jesus emphasizes the importance of living with integrity and responsibility, especially for those who have been entrusted with much. The unfaithful servant who neglects his duties and indulges in sin will face judgment, while the faithful steward who serves with prudence and care will be rewarded. This teaching challenges us to examine how we are using the gifts, talents, and opportunities God has given us. Are we living as if the Lord might return at any moment, or are we growing complacent and distracted by the cares of the world?
These readings call us to reflect on our spiritual lives and our role as stewards of God’s grace. Like Paul, we are called to share the Gospel with others, not because of our own worthiness, but because of God’s mercy and trust in us. Like the faithful steward, we are to live with purpose and integrity, knowing that our actions have consequences. Let us ask ourselves: Am I using the gifts and resources God has given me to build up the Kingdom? Am I prepared to give an account of my life when the Lord returns? May we embrace the wisdom of these readings and strive to live with faith, gratitude, and a deep trust in God’s plan.