Daily Readings - Thu Sep 23 2021
Haggai
1In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest:2This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.'"3Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai:4"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"5Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.6You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."7This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.8Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD.
Luke
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead,8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.9But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.
Sermon
The first reading from Haggai reminds us of a time when God’s people had lost focus on what truly mattered. After returning from exile, they were more concerned with building their own comfortable homes than with rebuilding the Temple, the house of God. Haggai, speaking on behalf of the Lord, challenges them to examine their priorities. He points out the futility of seeking satisfaction in material wealth and comfort while neglecting their spiritual responsibilities. The prophet calls them to “set their hearts on their ways” and to ascend the mountain to gather the resources needed to restore God’s house. This was not just about physical construction but about renewing their relationship with God and putting Him first in their lives.
In the Gospel, we encounter Herod, a man consumed by curiosity and doubt. He had heard of Jesus’ miracles and teachings but was uncertain about who Jesus truly was. Some thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead, while others believed He was Elijah or one of the ancient prophets. Herod, who had beheaded John, was particularly troubled, seeking to see Jesus for himself. This passage highlights the spiritual confusion that can arise when we fail to seek the truth with an open and humble heart. Herod’s doubt and curiosity were rooted in his own guilt and lack of faith, rather than a genuine desire to know and follow God.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own spiritual lives. Like the people in Haggai’s time, we may often prioritize comfort and worldly pursuits over our relationship with God. We may, like Herod, find ourselves in a state of spiritual confusion, unsure of how to respond to God’s presence in our lives. The readings remind us that true fulfillment and clarity come only when we set our hearts on God and seek to build our lives on a foundation of faith. Let us ask ourselves: Are we neglecting the spiritual temple within us? Are we seeking God with genuine humility and openness? May we, like Haggai’s audience, ascend the mountain of prayer and sacrifice, and may we, like those who truly seek Jesus, find the peace and clarity that only He can give.