Daily Readings - Tue Oct 22 2024
Ephesians
12remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.13But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace,16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.17He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.18For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.19Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,20built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.21In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.22And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Luke
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound unity and purpose that Christ brings into our lives. The first reading from Ephesians highlights how Christ has reconciled Jews and Gentiles, breaking down the walls of division and uniting all people in His body. This unity is not just a historical fact but a living reality where each of us is a vital part of God's household, with Jesus as the cornerstone. The Gospel from Luke, however, shifts our focus to the importance of being prepared and vigilant, using the metaphor of servants awaiting their master's return. This serves as a powerful reminder to live each day with the awareness that our actions have eternal significance.
The context of Ephesians is rooted in the early Christian Church, addressing the inclusion of Gentiles into a community once reserved for Jews. This letter emphasizes the universal nature of Christ's salvation and the new identity believers share in Him. Luke's passage, part of Jesus' teachings on discipleship, underscores the necessity of readiness and faithfulness, urging believers to live with purpose and expectation, knowing that God's timing is not our own. Together, these readings connect unity with purpose, suggesting that our life in Christ should be both reconciled and prepared.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embrace our unity in Christ actively. This means seeking reconciliation in our relationships and living as temples of God, mindful of His presence within us. The call to vigilance in Luke encourages us to stay spiritually alert, not out of fear, but out of love and devotion. It invites us to serve others as part of the body of Christ, reflecting His love in our actions and decisions. This mindset transforms our ordinary tasks into extraordinary acts of faith, as we live each moment with the awareness of God's presence and purpose.
In reflection, these readings offer a moral and spiritual lesson about living with intention and awareness. Our unity in Christ compels us to live in a way that reflects His love and reconciliation. The call to vigilance reminds us that our journey with God is ongoing, requiring us to stay attentive and faithful. As we navigate life's challenges, let us remember that our actions today are part of a larger story of God's kingdom, urging us to live with purpose, unity, and eternal perspective.