Daily Readings - Thu Sep 25 2025
Haggai
1In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet unto Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest, saying,2Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD'S house should be built.3Then came the word of the LORD by Haggai the prophet, saying,4Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your cieled houses, and this house lie waste?5Now therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.6Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.7Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Consider your ways.8Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the LORD.
Luke
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him: and he was perplexed, because that it was said of some, that John was risen from the dead;8And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.9And Herod said, John have I beheaded: but who is this, of whom I hear such things? And he desired to see him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God. The first reading from Haggai challenges the people to prioritize the reconstruction of the Temple, emphasizing that their personal comforts should not overshadow their spiritual duties. Haggai urges them to recognize the futility of seeking fulfillment in material wealth alone and to instead focus on rebuilding their spiritual foundation. The Gospel of Luke presents Herod, who is perplexed by the rumors surrounding Jesus. Herod's curiosity, however, seems to stem from a place of uncertainty rather than a genuine quest for truth, highlighting the human tendency to be indifferent or confused in the face of divine presence.
Both readings remind us of the importance of actively seeking God. Haggai's call to action underscores the need to set our hearts on the right path, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from honoring God. Herod's reaction, on the other hand, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of spiritual complacency and the dangers of being content with mere curiosity rather than pursuing a deeper understanding of God's will. These passages encourage us to examine our own priorities and responses to God's presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our commitment to our faith. Like the people in Haggai's time, we may find ourselves distracted by worldly comforts, neglecting the spiritual foundations that truly sustain us. Similarly, we may encounter moments of doubt or confusion, as Herod did, where we question the nature of God's work in our lives. The moral lesson here is clear: we must not delay in responding to God's call. Instead, we should seek Him with urgency and intentionality, ensuring that our actions and priorities reflect a genuine commitment to His will. Let us strive to rebuild our spiritual temples and actively pursue a deeper relationship with God, rather than allowing indifference or confusion to guide our way.