Daily Readings - Wed Oct 30 2024
Ephesians
1Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.2"Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise--3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."4Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.5Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.6Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.7Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,8because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.9And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
Luke
22Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.23Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"24He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'"But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'26"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'27"But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'28"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are presented with two distinct yet interconnected messages about living a life aligned with God’s will. The first reading from Ephesians offers guidance on relationships within the household, emphasizing mutual respect and fairness. It reminds us that our roles as parents, children, servants, and masters are not just earthly duties but opportunities to reflect God’s love and justice. The Gospel from Luke, however, shifts our focus to the urgency of salvation. Jesus speaks of the narrow gate, warning that many will attempt to enter the kingdom of God but will fail, not because they lacked knowledge, but because they did not live according to God’s will.
The context of Ephesians is rooted in the early Christian community, providing a blueprint for harmonious living. It encourages believers to embrace their roles with integrity, ensuring that fairness and compassion guide their interactions. In contrast, Luke’s passage captures Jesus during his journey to Jerusalem, where he teaches about the kingdom’s inclusivity and the criteria for entry. Both readings, while addressing different aspects of life, converge on the theme of living intentionally—whether in our daily relationships or in our spiritual journey.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are reminded to conduct ourselves with integrity in all relationships, treating others with the respect and fairness that God expects. From Luke, we learn that our spiritual state requires more than superficial devotion; it demands a life of obedience and love. The moral lesson here is clear: our actions have eternal consequences. Being a Christian is not merely about outward appearances but about living a life that truly reflects Christ’s teachings. We must examine our hearts and ensure our actions align with God’s will, striving to enter the narrow gate with sincerity and dedication.