Daily Readings - Fri Oct 28 2022
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
The readings today remind us of our identity as followers of Christ and the mission we are called to undertake. In the first reading from Ephesians, we hear that we are no longer strangers or outsiders but are now 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 belonging in the Body of Christ, where each of us plays a vital role in the structure of God’s holy temple. In the Gospel, Luke describes Jesus choosing the Twelve Apostles and then descending to a level place to preach and heal the multitudes. This scene highlights Jesus’ compassion and His mission to bring healing and hope to all people.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on community and mission. In Ephesians, we are reminded that we are part of a larger family, the household of God, built on the foundation of faith and testimony. In Luke, we see Jesus forming a community of disciples and extending His mission of healing and teaching to the world. Together, these readings call us to recognize our place within the Church and to participate in Christ’s work of love and redemption.
As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How do we live out our identity as members of God’s household? Do we see ourselves as part of a larger community, or do we isolate ourselves? The Gospel shows us that Jesus did not remain on the mountain praying; He came down to the people, healing and teaching them. Similarly, we are called to move beyond our own comfort zones and share the love and hope of Christ with others. Let us strive to be like the Apostles, who were chosen not for their own sake but to serve the mission of Christ. May we, too, be instruments of healing and grace in the world, living out our faith with compassion and generosity.