Daily Catholic Mass Readings for October 22, 2024
First Reading: Ephesians 2.12-22
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.
Psalm 85
1You showed favor to your land, O LORD; you restored the fortunes of Jacob.2You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins. Selah3You set aside all your wrath and turned from your fierce anger.4Restore us again, O God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us.5Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger through all generations?6Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?7Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.8I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints- but let them not return to folly.9Surely his salvation is near those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.10Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.11Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven.12The LORD will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest.13Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.
Gospel: Luke 12.35-38
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.