Daily Readings - Wed Sep 27 2017
Ezra
5Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God6and prayed: "O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.7From the days of our forefathers until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.8"But now, for a brief moment, the LORD our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage.9Though we are slaves, our God has not deserted us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.
Luke
1When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,2and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.3He told them: "Take nothing for the journey--no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.5If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them."6So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound themes that guide us in our spiritual journey: the power of humble confession and the call to trust in God's providence.
First, Ezra's prayer in the First Reading is a heartfelt confession on behalf of his people, acknowledging their sins and expressing deep regret. This passage, set in the post-exilic period, reflects the Israelites' return to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild their community. Ezra's prayer underscores the importance of humility and recognition of our failings, inviting us to approach God with sincerity and contrition.
In the Gospel, Luke shares the story of Jesus sending out the Twelve Apostles, equipping them to preach and heal. Jesus' instructions to travel lightly and trust in God's provision highlight the theme of reliance on divine grace. This mission is a pivotal moment in the early Church, demonstrating Jesus' trust in His disciples and their commitment to spreading His message.
These readings connect through their emphasis on trust and humility. Ezra's confession shows trust in God's mercy, while the apostles' mission exemplifies trust in God's provision. Together, they remind us to approach life with humility, acknowledging our limitations, and to trust in God's faithfulness.
In our daily lives, this means embracing humility and trusting in God's plan. Just as the apostles depended on God's providence, we too can face life's challenges with faith, knowing that our true strength comes from Him. Let us, like Ezra, confess our sins with sincerity and, like the apostles, step out in boldness, trusting in God's guidance and mercy.