Daily Readings - Sat Oct 12 2024
Galatians
22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.29And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the unity and equality brought by faith in Christ. In Galatians, Paul explains that through faith, we are all sons and daughters of God, transcending earthly distinctions. The law served as a guardian until faith was revealed, and now, in Christ, we are united beyond categories like Jew or Greek, servant or free, male or female. This unity is a gift of faith, making us heirs of God's promise.
In the Gospel, a woman praises Jesus' mother, but He shifts the focus to the blessedness of hearing and keeping God's word. This emphasizes that our true blessedness comes not from earthly ties but from our spiritual commitment. Jesus calls us to a life of obedience and faith, which unites us in our devotion to God.
Applying this to our lives, we are reminded to live out our faith with love and equality, treating all as one in Christ. The moral lesson is clear: our faith and obedience to God's word are what truly unite us, making us children of God and heirs of His promise. Let us embrace this unity and live it out in our daily lives.