Daily Readings - Thu Sep 28 2017
Haggai
1In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest:2This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.'"3Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai:4"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"5Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.6You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."7This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.8Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD.
Luke
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead,8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.9But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.
Sermon
The first reading from Haggai calls us to reflect on our priorities and our relationship with God. The prophet Haggai challenges the people of Judah, who have returned from exile but have neglected to rebuild the Temple. They claim it is not yet the time to focus on God’s house, but Haggai reminds them that their own lives reflect the consequences of this neglect. They work hard but find little satisfaction, and their efforts bring no lasting fulfillment. Haggai urges them to set their hearts on the right path and to rebuild the Temple, which is not just a physical structure but a symbol of their spiritual commitment to God. The reading invites us to examine where we place our priorities and whether we are neglecting the spiritual dimensions of our lives.
In the Gospel, we encounter Herod, who is perplexed by the rumors surrounding Jesus. Herod has heard that Jesus might be John the Baptist risen from the dead or Elijah or one of the prophets of old. This confusion reflects the broader human struggle to understand who Jesus truly is. Herod’s curiosity, however, is not driven by a desire to follow or believe but by a mix of fear and skepticism. His reaction contrasts sharply with the call in Haggai to rebuild and renew our spiritual lives. While Herod seeks to see Jesus out of doubt and uncertainty, the people in Haggai are called to act in faith, trusting that God will be glorified if they return to Him.
Both readings remind us that faith requires action and trust. Haggai challenges us to reorder our priorities and invest in what truly matters—our relationship with God. The Gospel, on the other hand, warns us against the paralysis of doubt and curiosity. Together, they call us to move beyond hesitation and distraction and to seek a deeper encounter with God. In our daily lives, we are often tempted to prioritize comfort and worldly concerns over spiritual growth. Let us heed the call to rebuild our inner temples and to seek Jesus with hearts open to faith and trust, rather than doubt and fear.