Daily Readings - Thu Sep 28 2023
Haggai
1In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,2Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built.3Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,4Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?5Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.6Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.8Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.
Luke
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;8And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.9And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our place in His plan. The first reading from Haggai challenges us to examine our priorities. The prophet Haggai calls the people to rebuild the Temple, emphasizing that their current struggles stem from neglecting God's house while prioritizing their own comfort. This message, delivered in the post-exile era, reminds us that our spiritual well-being should never take a backseat to material comfort.
The Gospel from Luke presents Herod, a man of power, who is both curious and uncertain about Jesus. Herod's reaction reflects a common human response to the divine—curiosity without commitment. This passage, set during Jesus' ministry, highlights the various ways people perceive Jesus, from a resurrected prophet to a new Elijah. Herod's indecision serves as a mirror, prompting us to consider our own response to Jesus.
Both readings urge us to move beyond indifference and mere curiosity. Haggai calls us to prioritize God, recognizing that our true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with His will. Luke reminds us that encountering Jesus demands more than passing interest; it requires a commitment to follow Him. As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek God with intentionality, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith. May we rebuild our spiritual foundations and actively pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, moving beyond curiosity to a life of devoted discipleship.