Daily Readings - Tue Oct 20 2020
Ephesians
12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Luke
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of unity and preparedness, both essential for a life rooted in faith. The first reading from Ephesians reminds us that through Christ, we are united, breaking down walls of separation and becoming part of God's household. This unity is not just a spiritual concept but a call to live as one body, reconciled through Christ's sacrifice. The context of Paul's letter to the Ephesians emphasizes the inclusion of Gentiles, illustrating God's plan to unify all people in His family.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to preparedness. Jesus teaches us to be vigilant, like servants awaiting their master's return. This preparedness is not about fear but about faithful living, ensuring our actions reflect our commitment to Christ. The servants who are ready are blessed, as they embody the readiness to serve at any moment, trusting in God's timing.
Together, these readings call us to live in unity and vigilance. Our unity in Christ should inspire us to live harmoniously and supportively, while our preparedness should manifest in daily acts of service and mindfulness. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to be one in Christ and to live each day with the readiness to serve Him faithfully. Let us embrace this dual call, living as united and vigilant followers of Christ.