Daily Readings - Sat Sep 21 2024
Ephesians
1As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.4There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--5one Lord, one faith, one baptism;6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.11It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,12to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up13until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Matthew
9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples.11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the importance of unity and inclusion in the Christian life. The first reading from Ephesians emphasizes the unity of the Spirit and the diverse gifts given to each believer for the edification of the body of Christ. Paul urges humility, patience, and charity, recognizing that each person has a unique role in the Church. The Gospel from Matthew illustrates Jesus' inclusive ministry, as he calls Matthew, a tax collector, and dines with sinners, challenging the Pharisees' judgmental attitudes. Jesus' response highlights the importance of mercy over sacrifice, underscoring his mission to call sinners rather than the righteous.
The context of Ephesians is a letter to the early Christian community in Ephesus, encouraging unity amidst diversity. Paul's words remind us that the Church is one body with many members, each contributing their unique gifts. In Matthew, Jesus' actions challenge societal norms, emphasizing compassion and inclusion. These readings together teach us that true Christian living involves embracing diversity and showing mercy.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to recognize and value the diverse roles within our communities. We should approach others with humility and patience, understanding that each person has a place in the body of Christ. Just as Jesus reached out to outcasts, we too should practice inclusion and compassion. The moral lesson here is clear: Christian living is about unity, humility, and mercy. Let us strive to build a community where everyone feels valued, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ.