Daily Readings - Wed Oct 23 2024
Ephesians
1For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles--2Surely you have heard about the administration of God's grace that was given to me for you,3that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly.4In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,5which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God's holy apostles and prophets.6This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.7I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.8Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.10His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms,11according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.12In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Luke
39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk.46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with faith. The first reading from Ephesians highlights Paul’s mission to the Gentiles, a mission rooted in God’s grace and the revelation of a mystery once hidden but now made known through the Gospel. Paul humbly acknowledges his role as a servant of this mystery, entrusted with the task of enlightening all people to the boundless riches of Christ. The second reading from Luke presents a parable about a master returning unexpectedly, urging us to be prepared and faithful stewards of the gifts and responsibilities we have been given. Together, these readings call us to reflect on our own roles as disciples and the trust placed in us by God.
The readings are deeply interconnected, as both emphasize the themes of trust, responsibility, and accountability. In Ephesians, Paul’s stewardship of the Gospel is a sacred trust, one that requires him to act with prudence and fidelity. Similarly, in Luke, Jesus warns us that our faithfulness in managing the resources and talents we have been given will be tested when He returns. The parable reminds us that much is expected from those to whom much has been given. This connection invites us to consider how we use our gifts, talents, and time in service to God and others.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are challenged to live with intentionality and integrity. Whether in our personal relationships, our work, or our service to the Church, we are called to be faithful stewards. This means being vigilant, prepared, and mindful of the trust placed in us. It also means recognizing that our actions have consequences, not only in this life but in the life to come. Let us ask ourselves: Am I using the gifts God has given me in a way that reflects His love and wisdom? Am I living in such a way that I am prepared to give an account of my life when He returns? May we strive to be faithful and prudent, trusting in God’s grace to guide us as we fulfill our mission to spread the Gospel and serve one another.