Daily Readings - Wed Oct 07 2020
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
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity, authenticity, and the power of prayer. The first reading from Galatians recounts Paul's journey to Jerusalem, where he and the apostles affirm the Gospel's universality for both Jews and Gentiles. Despite initial agreement, Paul confronts Peter for hypocrisy when Peter avoids Gentile believers, fearing judgment. This highlights the importance of living the Gospel truth without division.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing a communal and humble approach to prayer. It focuses on honoring God, seeking His will, and asking for forgiveness and guidance. This prayer teaches us to align our lives with God's purposes and to seek strength against temptation.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith must be lived authentically and unitedly. Prayer, as taught by Jesus, is not just a ritual but a way to stay connected to God and to each other. It calls us to forgive, seek God's kingdom, and avoid the temptations that divide us. Let us strive to live with such unity and authenticity, guided by prayer, reflecting God's love in our actions and relationships.