Daily Readings - Thu Sep 28 2023
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
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our place in His plan. The first reading from Haggai challenges us to examine our priorities. The prophet Haggai calls the people to rebuild the Temple, emphasizing that their current struggles stem from neglecting God's house while prioritizing their own comfort. This message, delivered in the post-exile era, reminds us that our spiritual well-being should never take a backseat to material comfort.
The Gospel from Luke presents Herod, a man of power, who is both curious and uncertain about Jesus. Herod's reaction reflects a common human response to the divine—curiosity without commitment. This passage, set during Jesus' ministry, highlights the various ways people perceive Jesus, from a resurrected prophet to a new Elijah. Herod's indecision serves as a mirror, prompting us to consider our own response to Jesus.
Both readings urge us to move beyond indifference and mere curiosity. Haggai calls us to prioritize God, recognizing that our true fulfillment comes from aligning our lives with His will. Luke reminds us that encountering Jesus demands more than passing interest; it requires a commitment to follow Him. As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek God with intentionality, ensuring that our actions reflect our faith. May we rebuild our spiritual foundations and actively pursue a deeper relationship with Christ, moving beyond curiosity to a life of devoted discipleship.