Daily Readings - Wed Oct 09 2024
Galatians
1Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.2I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who seemed to be leaders, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.7On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been to the Jews.8For God, who was at work in the ministry of Peter as an apostle to the Jews, was also at work in my ministry as an apostle to the Gentiles.9James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the Jews.10All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.11When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.12Before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.13The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.14When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?
Luke
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."2He said to them, "When you pray, say: "'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.3Give us each day our daily bread.4Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation. '"
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of unity, inclusion, and the essence of prayer. In the first reading from Galatians, Paul recounts his journey within the early Christian community, highlighting the debate over whether Gentiles needed to adopt Jewish customs to be part of the church. Paul's stance is clear: the Gospel is for all, and he confronts Peter for his hypocrisy in distancing himself from Gentile believers when under pressure. This passage underscores the importance of consistency between our faith and actions, emphasizing that true faith should not waver under social pressures.
The Gospel from Luke presents the Lord's Prayer, a timeless lesson on how to pray. Jesus teaches us to address God as Father, seek His will, ask for our needs, and request forgiveness and guidance. This prayer is not just individual but communal, reflecting our shared humanity and the need for reconciliation. It reminds us that prayer should be humble, focused on God's will, and mindful of our responsibilities to each other.
These readings together call us to live out our faith with integrity and inclusivity. Just as Paul advocated for the Gentiles' inclusion, we should work towards unity and acceptance in our communities. The Lord's Prayer teaches us to pray with sincerity and a communal spirit, recognizing our dependence on God and each other. Let us strive to embody these lessons, ensuring our actions reflect our beliefs and our prayers nurture a deeper connection with God and our neighbors.