Daily Readings - Sat Oct 12 2024
Galatians
22But the Scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.23Before this faith came, we were held prisoners by the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.24So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under the supervision of the law.26You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus,27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the unity and equality brought by faith in Christ. In Galatians, Paul explains that through faith, we are all sons and daughters of God, transcending earthly distinctions. The law served as a guardian until faith was revealed, and now, in Christ, we are united beyond categories like Jew or Greek, servant or free, male or female. This unity is a gift of faith, making us heirs of God's promise.
In the Gospel, a woman praises Jesus' mother, but He shifts the focus to the blessedness of hearing and keeping God's word. This emphasizes that our true blessedness comes not from earthly ties but from our spiritual commitment. Jesus calls us to a life of obedience and faith, which unites us in our devotion to God.
Applying this to our lives, we are reminded to live out our faith with love and equality, treating all as one in Christ. The moral lesson is clear: our faith and obedience to God's word are what truly unite us, making us children of God and heirs of His promise. Let us embrace this unity and live it out in our daily lives.