Daily Readings - Wed Oct 21 2020
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 from Ephesians and Luke, both emphasizing themes of responsibility and preparedness. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, humbly shares his mission to the Gentiles, highlighting the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ. He underscores the mystery of Christ, once hidden but now revealed through the Church, emphasizing his role as a steward of the Gospel. Meanwhile, Luke's Gospel presents a parable about a faithful steward, urging preparedness for the Master's return, with rewards for the diligent and consequences for the negligent.
These readings connect through the theme of stewardship. Paul is a steward of the Gospel, entrusted with spreading its message, while Luke's parable illustrates the servants' responsibility to manage their master's household faithfully. Both emphasize the importance of being prepared and accountable for our actions.
In our daily lives, we are all stewards of the resources and talents entrusted to us. Whether in our careers, families, or communities, we must use these gifts wisely. The readings encourage us to be vigilant and faithful, recognizing that our actions have consequences. Let us embrace our roles with diligence and integrity, striving to be good stewards of all that we have. The moral lesson is clear: our faithfulness and preparedness are not just duties but reflections of our commitment to God.