Daily Readings - Wed Oct 23 2024
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 are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with faith. The first reading from Ephesians highlights Paul’s mission to the Gentiles, a mission rooted in God’s grace and the revelation of a mystery once hidden but now made known through the Gospel. Paul humbly acknowledges his role as a servant of this mystery, entrusted with the task of enlightening all people to the boundless riches of Christ. The second reading from Luke presents a parable about a master returning unexpectedly, urging us to be prepared and faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities we have been given. Together, these readings call us to reflect on our own roles as disciples and the trust placed in us by God.
The readings are deeply interconnected, as both emphasize the themes of trust, responsibility, and accountability. In Ephesians, Paul’s stewardship of the Gospel is a sacred trust, one that requires him to act with prudence and fidelity. Similarly, in Luke, Jesus warns us that our faithfulness in managing the resources and talents we have been given will be tested when He returns. The parable reminds us that much is expected from those to whom much has been given. This connection invites us to consider how we use our gifts, talents, and time in service to God and others.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are challenged to live with intentionality and integrity. Whether in our personal relationships, our work, or our service to the Church, we are called to be faithful stewards. This means being vigilant, prepared, and mindful of the trust placed in us. It also means recognizing that our actions have consequences, not only in this life but in the life to come. Let us ask ourselves: Am I using the gifts God has given me in a way that reflects His love and wisdom? Am I living in such a way that I am prepared to give an account of my life when He returns? May we strive to be faithful and prudent, trusting in God’s grace to guide us as we fulfill our mission to spread the Gospel and serve one another.