Daily Readings - Thu Sep 25 2025
Haggai
1In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest:2This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.'"3Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai:4"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?"5Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.6You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."7This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways.8Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD.
Luke
7Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed, because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead,8others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.9But Herod said, "I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?" And he tried to see him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God. The first reading from Haggai challenges the people to prioritize the reconstruction of the Temple, emphasizing that their personal comforts should not overshadow their spiritual duties. Haggai urges them to recognize the futility of seeking fulfillment in material wealth alone and to instead focus on rebuilding their spiritual foundation. The Gospel of Luke presents Herod, who is perplexed by the rumors surrounding Jesus. Herod's curiosity, however, seems to stem from a place of uncertainty rather than a genuine quest for truth, highlighting the human tendency to be indifferent or confused in the face of divine presence.
Both readings remind us of the importance of actively seeking God. Haggai's call to action underscores the need to set our hearts on the right path, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from honoring God. Herod's reaction, on the other hand, serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of spiritual complacency and the dangers of being content with mere curiosity rather than pursuing a deeper understanding of God's will. These passages encourage us to examine our own priorities and responses to God's presence in our lives.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our commitment to our faith. Like the people in Haggai's time, we may find ourselves distracted by worldly comforts, neglecting the spiritual foundations that truly sustain us. Similarly, we may encounter moments of doubt or confusion, as Herod did, where we question the nature of God's work in our lives. The moral lesson here is clear: we must not delay in responding to God's call. Instead, we should seek Him with urgency and intentionality, ensuring that our actions and priorities reflect a genuine commitment to His will. Let us strive to rebuild our spiritual temples and actively pursue a deeper relationship with God, rather than allowing indifference or confusion to guide our way.