Daily Readings - Mon Sep 22 2025
Ezra
1Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,2Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.3Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem.4And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.5Then rose up the chief of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, with all them whose spirit God had raised, to go up to build the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem.6And all they that were about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with beasts, and with precious things, beside all that was willingly offered.
Luke
16No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.17For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.18Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our response to God's call and the responsibility that comes with it. The first reading from Ezra describes a pivotal moment in Israel's history, where King Cyrus, inspired by God, decrees the return of the Israelites from exile to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. This act of restoration is not just a physical endeavor but a spiritual one, as the people collectively contribute their resources and efforts, driven by a renewed sense of purpose and faith.
The Gospel reading from Luke presents Jesus teaching about the importance of how we receive and act on God's word. Using the metaphor of a candle, Jesus emphasizes that light is meant to be visible and transformative. He warns that our response to His teachings will determine our spiritual state—those who embrace the word will grow in faith, while those who neglect it risk losing even what they have.
These readings remind us that our faith is not passive but active. Like the Israelites, we are called to participate in God's work, whether through sharing our talents, resources, or time to build up the Body of Christ. Jesus' teaching urges us to be mindful of how we listen and respond to His word, ensuring that it illuminates our lives and the lives of others. The moral lesson here is clear: our responsiveness and responsibility in faith are crucial. Just as the Israelites acted on their freedom to rebuild, we must actively engage with God's word and live it out, not merely receive it passively. Let us embrace this call with purpose and dedication, allowing God's light to shine through us.