Daily Readings - Wed Oct 10 2018
Galatians
1Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.2I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.7On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews.8For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.9James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.10All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.11When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.12Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.13The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.14When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
Luke
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."2He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.3Give us each day our daily bread.4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. '"
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on unity, integrity, and the power of prayer. In the first reading from Galatians, Paul shares his experience of defending the Gospel to the Gentiles and confronting Peter for his hypocrisy. This passage reminds us that the Gospel is for all people, regardless of background, and that unity in Christ should transcend human divisions. Paul’s courage to stand up for the truth, even against a fellow apostle, teaches us the importance of living authentically and not compromising the Gospel for the sake of convenience or approval.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. The Lord’s Prayer is more than just a formula; it is a way of life. It calls us to reverence God’s name, to seek His kingdom, and to trust in His providence. The prayer also emphasizes forgiveness and our responsibility to forgive others. Jesus reminds us that our relationship with God is deeply connected to our relationships with others. If we pray for forgiveness, we must also extend forgiveness to those who wrong us.
Today’s readings challenge us to live with integrity and humility. Like Paul, we must stand firm in our faith and work toward unity, even when it is difficult. Like the disciples, we must approach prayer with sincerity and openness, trusting in God’s love and guidance. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that reflects the unity and love of Christ? Do my prayers align with my actions? May we strive to be people of integrity, rooted in prayer and committed to building a world where all can experience the Good News of Jesus Christ.