Daily Readings - Sat Oct 26 2024
Ephesians
7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.8Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.9Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?10He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;12For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:13Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:14That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;15But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:16From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
Luke
1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.6He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.7Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?8And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:9And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the gifts we have been given and the call to bear fruit in our lives. In the first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul reminds us that each of us has been given grace "according to the measure allotted by Christ." This grace is not for our own benefit alone but for the "perfection of the saints" and the "edification of the body of Christ." Paul emphasizes that we are all part of the same body, united in faith and called to grow together in the knowledge of the Son of God. He warns against being "tossed by every wind of doctrine" and instead urges us to "act according to truth in charity," growing in unity and love.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree that fails to bear fruit. The owner of the vineyard is ready to cut it down, but the cultivator pleads for one more year, promising to care for it and fertilize it, hoping it will bear fruit. This parable is a call to repentance and spiritual fruitfulness. Jesus is reminding us that we are given time and grace to grow, but we must not take these gifts for granted. Like the fig tree, we are called to produce fruit in our lives—fruit that comes from living in accordance with God’s will and sharing His love with others.
Together, these readings remind us that grace is a gift, but it requires our response. We are called to use the gifts we have been given to build up the body of Christ and to live in a way that reflects our faith. Like the fig tree, we are given time to grow, but we must not become complacent. Let us ask ourselves: Am I using the gifts God has given me to serve others and to grow in holiness? Am I bearing fruit in my life through love, kindness, and service? Let us repent of any shortcomings and turn to God with renewed commitment, trusting in His mercy and patience. May we grow in unity and love, bearing fruit that reflects the fullness of Christ in our lives.