Daily Readings - Wed Oct 24 2018
Ephesians
1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you,3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.8Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Luke
39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk.46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we hear St. Paul speak of his mission to the Gentiles and the mystery of God’s plan, while Jesus teaches a parable about being prepared for the Master’s return. Both readings call us to faithfulness and trust in God’s plan.
In Ephesians, Paul humbly acknowledges his role as a minister of the Gospel, despite being the least of the saints. He emphasizes that God’s plan is universal, embracing all people, and that the Church is a sign of God’s wisdom to the world. This reminds us that our faith is not just for ourselves but for the wider world. In the Gospel, Jesus warns us to be vigilant and faithful stewards, using the parable of the master returning unexpectedly. The faithful steward is blessed, while the unfaithful one faces judgment. This teaches us that our actions have consequences and that we must be prepared to give an account of our lives.
These readings remind us to live with purpose and responsibility. Like Paul, we are called to share the Gospel in our own way, trusting in God’s plan. Like the stewards in the parable, we must use the gifts and talents we’ve been given wisely, knowing that we will be held accountable. Let us approach life with faithfulness and trust, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding in our lives. May we be found faithful when the Master returns.