Daily Readings - Tue Oct 22 2024
Ephesians
12That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;15Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;16And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:17And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.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
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound unity and purpose that Christ brings into our lives. The first reading from Ephesians highlights how Christ has reconciled Jews and Gentiles, breaking down the walls of division and uniting all people in His body. This unity is not just a historical fact but a living reality where each of us is a vital part of God's household, with Jesus as the cornerstone. The Gospel from Luke, however, shifts our focus to the importance of being prepared and vigilant, using the metaphor of servants awaiting their master's return. This serves as a powerful reminder to live each day with the awareness that our actions have eternal significance.
The context of Ephesians is rooted in the early Christian Church, addressing the inclusion of Gentiles into a community once reserved for Jews. This letter emphasizes the universal nature of Christ's salvation and the new identity believers share in Him. Luke's passage, part of Jesus' teachings on discipleship, underscores the necessity of readiness and faithfulness, urging believers to live with purpose and expectation, knowing that God's timing is not our own. Together, these readings connect unity with purpose, suggesting that our life in Christ should be both reconciled and prepared.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embrace our unity in Christ actively. This means seeking reconciliation in our relationships and living as temples of God, mindful of His presence within us. The call to vigilance in Luke encourages us to stay spiritually alert, not out of fear, but out of love and devotion. It invites us to serve others as part of the body of Christ, reflecting His love in our actions and decisions. This mindset transforms our ordinary tasks into extraordinary acts of faith, as we live each moment with the awareness of God's presence and purpose.
In reflection, these readings offer a moral and spiritual lesson about living with intention and awareness. Our unity in Christ compels us to live in a way that reflects His love and reconciliation. The call to vigilance reminds us that our journey with God is ongoing, requiring us to stay attentive and faithful. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember that our actions today are part of a larger story of God's kingdom, urging us to live with purpose, unity, and eternal perspective.