Mission of Diversity and Belonging

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to persist in our mission to welcome all members of our diverse society as servants of the Lord.

All Belong

The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians reflects on Paul’s mission to the Gentiles.

* [3:1–13] Paul reflects on his mission to the Gentiles. He alludes to his call and appointment to the apostolic office (Eph 3:2–3) and how his insight through revelation, as well as that of the other apostles and charismatic prophets in the church (Eph 3:4–5), has deepened understanding of God’s plan of salvation in Christ. Paul is the special herald (Eph 3:7) of a new promise to the Gentiles (Eph 3:6): that the divine plan includes them in the spiritual benefits promised to Israel. Not only is this unique apostolic role his; Paul also has been given the task of explaining to all the divine plan of salvation (Eph 3:8–9), once hidden. Through the church, God’s plan to save through Christ is becoming manifest to angelic beings (Eph 3:10; cf. Eph 1:21), in accord with God’s purpose (Eph 3:11). The fulfillment of the plan in Christ gives the whole church more confidence through faith in God (Eph 3:12). The readers of this letter are also thereby encouraged to greater confidence despite Paul’s imprisonment (Eph 3:13).

* [3:1] A prisoner of Christ: see Introduction. Paul abruptly departs from his train of thought at the end of Eph 3:1 leaving an incomplete sentence.

* [3:2] Stewardship: the Greek is the same term employed at Eph 1:10 for the plan that God administers (Col 1:25) and in which Paul plays a key role.

* [3:3–4] The mystery: God’s resolve to deliver Gentiles along with Israel through Christ; cf. notes on Eph 1:10; 3:9.

* [3:9] [For all]: while some think this phrase was added so as to yield the sense “to enlighten all about the plan…,” it is more likely that some manuscripts and Fathers omitted it accidentally or to avoid the idea that all conflicted with Paul’s assignment to preach to the Gentiles (Eph 3:8) specifically.

* [3:10] Principalities and authorities: see note on Eph 1:15–23 regarding Eph 3:21. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The response from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah expresses thanksgiving to the Lord.

* [12:1–6] Israel’s thanksgiving to the Lord, expressed in language like that of the Psalms. (Isaiah, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus praises Vigilant and Faithful Servants.

* [12:35–48] This collection of sayings relates to Luke’s understanding of the end time and the return of Jesus. Luke emphasizes for his readers the importance of being faithful to the instructions of Jesus in the period before the parousia.

* [12:45] My master is delayed in coming: this statement indicates that early Christian expectations for the imminent return of Jesus had undergone some modification. Luke cautions his readers against counting on such a delay and acting irresponsibly. Cf. the similar warning in Mt 24:48. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Margo Minnich comments that discipleship carries with it a responsibility to be attentive, faithful, and ready to respond to God’s call.

Being ready for Christ is not simply about waiting for some future moment for Jesus to appear. It is about being attentive to the opportunities God places before us today. Where am I being invited to use my gifts? What needs around me am I uniquely equipped to respond to?

Ignatian spirituality invites us to look for God actively at work in our lives and to discern how we are being called to respond. Perhaps readiness for Christ is, in part, readiness to say yes when the invitation comes.

Today, I am challenged to consider my gifts with gratitude, but also with responsibility. What has God entrusted to me? How am I using those gifts? And where might God be inviting me to use them differently or more generously? (Minnich, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “God's great promise for faithful and wise servants,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).

"'Blessed is the servant whom the Lord will find so doing when he comes. A great promise is extended to the Lord's faithful and wise stewards. It is like the promise he made to those to whom he said, 'Take authority over five cities' or 'take authority over ten cities' (Luke 19:17-19). For to be made the head 'over all his possessions' is nothing other than to be made an 'heir of God and coheir with Christ' (Romans 8:17) and to reign with Christ. The Father has given him everything he himself possesses, as Christ said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me' (Matthew 28:18). The Son of the good Father who is given authority over all his Father's possessions also shares this honor and glory with his faithful and wise stewards, so they also might be with Christ above every creature and authority. This is what he meant when he said, 'Truly I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.'" (excerpt from the COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 62) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the texts for today.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ephesians 3:2-12 comments that with today’s passage and others like it, Paul joined Peter, James, and the other apostles in announcing one of the most amazing—and challenging—truths of the gospel: in Christ, there are no longer distinctions between “clean” and “unclean” people. There are no divisions between those who are deemed “worthy” and those counted as “unworthy.” Everyone is a sinner and everyone can receive salvation from the Lord. So there is no room for prejudice. Or, as Paul says elsewhere, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, emphasis added). (Meditation on Ephesians 3:2-12, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Theologian Kat Armas who celebrates how early Christians would have heard the gospel call to dignity and belonging, in contrast to the empire’s insistence on conquerors and those conquered. Armas emphasizes how this movement of God supported both diversity and belonging:

When Colossians speaks of putting off the old self, of shedding the garments of empire, it calls us into a transformation that is not about adornment but about a fundamental rebirth. In Roman triumphs, victors would strip away their old clothes and don the robes of victory in a ceremony that celebrated the rule of the conqueror. In the empire, proper dress symbolized civilization itself. To be Roman was to be clothed rightly, while those deemed “barbarians” were marked by their supposed lack of refinement, cast as outsiders not just by geography but by appearance, by dress, by body. This belief endured through European colonization and still lingers into our modern minds. To belong in the empire is to dress the part. But the gospel invites us to clothe ourselves instead in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and above all love. This love is no shallow thing—it binds us, mends us, forms a communion where there were once only categories. In this kin-dom, power falls away, and what’s left is a peace so deep that it becomes home, a place where difference can finally breathe. A place of communion, solidarity, and friendship. (Rohr, n.d.)

We seek inspiration from the Spirit to continue the mission of Jesus to call all people to be workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

References

Ephesians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/3? 

Isaiah, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/12?2 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12? 

Meditation on Ephesians 3:2-12. (2026, October 21). The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/21/1698991/ 

Minnich, M. (2026, October 21). Daily Reflection October 21, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-21-2026 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Belonging in God’s Kin-dom. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/belonging-in-gods-kin-dom/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Be Ready to Answer - the Lord Draws Near. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 21, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Vigilant and Faithful Servants

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to live with consistency in our role as faithful servants of God constantly at work with Jesus in the Father’s vineyard.

Jesus is the keystone

The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians praises a new humanity, one body, the household of God.

* [2:1–22] The gospel of salvation (Eph 1:13) that God worked in Christ (Eph 1:20) is reiterated in terms of what God’s great love (Eph 2:4), expressed in Christ, means for us. The passage sometimes addresses you, Gentiles (Eph 2:1–2, 8, 11–13, 19, 22), but other times speaks of all of us who believe (Eph 2:3–7, 10, 14, 18). In urging people to remember their grim past when they were dead in sins (Eph 2:1–3, 11–12) and what they are now in Christ (Eph 2:4–10, 13), the author sees both Jew and Gentile reconciled with God, now one new person, a new humanity, one body, the household of God, a temple and dwelling place of God’s Spirit (Eph 2:15–16, 19–22). The presentation falls into two parts, the second stressing more the meaning for the church. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 85 proclaims to the people who wait humbly with open hearts that God will be active on their behalf.

* [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Ps 85:2–4) and begging for forgiveness and grace now (Ps 85:5–8). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts (Ps 85:9–10): God will be active on their behalf (Ps 85:11–13). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Hg 1:5–11; 2:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 85, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke urges us to be Vigilant and Faithful Servants.

* [12:35–48] This collection of sayings relates to Luke’s understanding of the end time and the return of Jesus. Luke emphasizes for his readers the importance of being faithful to the instructions of Jesus in the period before the parousia. (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. George Meze, SJ, comments that today’s Gospel reveals Jesus’ deep longing for us to become like him and, above all, to allow ourselves to be loved by him. Through his love, he invites us to remain awake and ready for his coming. As Saint Paul writes to the Ephesians, Jesus has broken down the wall of separation and opened the way for us to become citizens of heaven.

His love for us is so great that his gaze is ever upon us. In this sense, our preparation may be as simple, and as profound, simply to gaze upon God in every circumstance, trusting that, even when we are unaware, he is caring for us and guiding all things. Blessed are we, servants, when we attend to his loving gaze and allow his longing to become our own. (Meze, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “The true meaning of 'loins girded and lamps burning'”, by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD)

"The girding of our loins (Luke 12:25) signifies the readiness of the mind to work hard in every thing praiseworthy. Those who apply themselves to bodily labors and are engaged in strenuous toil have their loins girded. The lamp apparently represents the wakefulness of the mind and intellectual cheerfulness. We say that the human mind is awake when it repels any tendency to slumber off into that carelessness that often is the means of bringing it into subjection to every kind of wickedness. When sunk in stupor, the heavenly light within the mind is liable to be endangered, or even already is in danger from a violent and impetuous blast of wind. Christ commands us to be awake. To this, his disciple also arouses us by saying, 'Be awake. Be watchful' (1 Peter 5:8). Further on, the very wise Paul also says, 'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead: and Christ shall give you light' (Ephesians 5:14)." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 92) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the author of Ephesians proclaims that Jesus has called the Gentile believers to His Peace, as part of the temple of God. Jesus is the capstone. We all are brothers and sisters in Christ. Everybody is called by Jesus. We cannot be judgemental as we realize Jesus died for all of them. Luke calls us to be vigilant and ready whenever the Master returns. In the early Church, Jesus' return was expected soon. Friar Jude notes Paul’s impatience to preach to the whole world is consistent with the imminent return of Jesus. If our end comes like a thief in the night, we hear Friar Jude advocate that we die with “Nothing left unsaid, nothing left undone”.

The Word Among Us Meditation on Ephesians 2:12-22 comments this is more than just a historical observation. Paul’s words are for us today as well. The power of Jesus’ cross and resurrection to bring people back to God is still present today in the Church. So let’s praise him for his marvelous work!

Jesus, you are building us into one, and you are the capstone (2:20). Thank you, Lord, that we who have been brought near are being built together. You are the capstone, the One who keeps us from falling apart. You give us the grace to grow into a sacred dwelling place of God, a community where God resides always—both within each of us and among us.

“Thank you, Lord, that you are not finished with us yet! Keep building us into one body, one Church!” (Meditation on Ephesians 2:12-22, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Cherokee theologian Randy Woodley who contrasts Western Christianity’s emphasis on salvation through doctrine with the healing work of Jesus. Woodley describes how Jesus offers collective healing rather than individual salvation:

When we look at Jesus through the lens of Indigenous and Hebrew understandings rather than imperial American and Roman frameworks, we see that his ministry was fundamentally about restoring wholeness, healing bodies, bringing outcasts back into community, challenging unjust systems, and mending broken relationships…. Healing is the bigger picture of God’s vision that Western Christianity calls “salvation,” and healing is for all of us now.

Perhaps most importantly, healing language better reflects the Creator’s heart for shalom: that comprehensive peace and abundance in which all creation coexists in harmony. Shalom, and the Indigenous visions of harmony, contains a justice and wholeness that extends far beyond individual souls to encompass whole communities, cultures, and the land itself.

The path forward must be about stripping away the imperial distortions to reveal the Jesus who heals rather than conquers, who restores rather than erases, who empowers rather than overpowers. In this understanding, salvation becomes what it was always meant to be: the healing of all things. (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to guide us to proper vigilance without paralyzing our mission of faithful witness as siblings who love all God’s children in our hope and service.

References

Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/2? 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12? 

Meditation on Ephesians 2:12-22. (2026, October 20). The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/20/1696976/ 

Meze, G. (2026, October 20). Daily Reflection October 20, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-20-2026 

Psalms, PSALM 85. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?9 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Universal Healing. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/universal-healing/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). When the Master Knocks - Open at Once. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 20, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Redemption and Riches

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to examine our motives for our accumulation of material wealth, the origin of our plans and our Way to Redemption.

Rules Redemption and Riches

The Reading from the Letter to the Ephesians proclaims the Generosity of God’s Plan.

*

[2:1–10] The recipients of Paul’s letter have experienced, in their redemption from transgressions and sins, the effect of Christ’s supremacy over the power of the devil (Eph 2:1–2; cf. Eph 6:11–12), who rules not from the netherworld but from the air between God in heaven and human beings on earth. Both Jew and Gentile have experienced, through Christ, God’s free gift of salvation that already marks them for a future heavenly destiny (Eph 2:3–7). The language dead, raised us up, and seated us…in the heavens closely parallels Jesus’ own passion and Easter experience. The terms in Eph 2:8–9 describe salvation in the way Paul elsewhere speaks of justification: by grace, through faith, the gift of God, not from works; cf. Gal 2:16–21; Rom 3:24–28. Christians are a newly created people in Christ, fashioned by God for a life of goodness (Eph 2:10).

* [2:1–7] These verses comprise one long sentence in Greek, the main verb coming in Eph 2:5, God brought us to life, the object you/us dead in…transgressions being repeated in Eph 2:1, 5; cf. Col 2:13.

* [2:2] Age of this world: or “aeon,” a term found in gnostic thought, possibly synonymous with the rulers of this world, but also reflecting the Jewish idea of “two ages,” this present evil age and “the age to come”; cf. 1 Cor 3:19; 5:10; 7:31; Gal 1:4; Ti 2:12. The disobedient: literally, “the sons of disobedience,” a Semitism as at Is 30:9.

* [2:5] Our relation through baptism with Christ, the risen Lord, is depicted in terms of realized eschatology, as already exaltation, though Eph 2:7 brings in the future aspect too. (Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 100 invites the people to enter the Temple courts with thank offerings.

* [Psalm 100] A hymn inviting the people to enter the Temple courts with thank offerings for the God who created them.

* [100:3] Although the people call on all the nations of the world to join in their hymn, they are conscious of being the chosen people of God. (Psalms, PSALM 100 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the Parable of the Rich Fool.

* [12:13–34] Luke has joined together sayings contrasting those whose focus and trust in life is on material possessions, symbolized here by the rich fool of the parable (Lk 12:16–21), with those who recognize their complete dependence on God (Lk 12:21), those whose radical detachment from material possessions symbolizes their heavenly treasure (Lk 12:33–34).

* [12:21] Rich in what matters to God: literally, “rich for God.” (Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Larry Gillick, SJ, comments that a man has a bountiful harvest which leads to having a conversation with and about himself. His barn cannot contain all his collected crops, so he decides to build a bigger one and so he can live as high as his ego can reach in the “good life.” 

God intervenes this inner-ruption with a suggestion that this man might reconsider his wealth and health. God calls the man a “fool” because he, the “fool” will not last as long as his treasure. He did not buy into what matters to God. What does matter to God? 

Very simply, what matters to God, always and in every circumstance, is revelation! The man planted and harvested and planned to hide it all for himself. He had forgotten where the seeds came from and the rain and the sun and the very earth of it all.

The Divine Giver, Earth-Giver, Sun and Rain-giver shared it all and the Fool thought it was all his and for him and a revelation of himself and for himself. (Gillick, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Surrounded by wealth, blind to charity,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"'What does the rich man do, surrounded by a great supply of many blessings beyond all numbering? In distress and anxiety, he speaks the words of poverty. He says, 'What should I do?' ... He does not look to the future. He does not raise his eyes to God. He does not count it worth his while to gain for the mind those treasures that are above in heaven. He does not cherish love for the poor or desire the esteem it gains. He does not sympathize with suffering. It gives him no pain nor awakens his pity. Still more irrational, he settles for himself the length of his life, as if he would also reap this from the ground. He says, 'I will say to myself, "Self, you have goods laid up for many years. Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself." 'O rich man,' one may say, "You have storehouses for your fruits, but where will you receive your many years? By the decree of God, your life is shortened." 'God,' it tells us, 'said to him, "You fool, this night they will require of you your soul. Whose will these things be that you have prepared?" (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILY 89) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that the Letter to the Ephesians celebrates the fact the people have sought a conversion from the devil and are called by Christ to reject the old and and accept the new. The letter declares that “By grace you have been saved.” This differs from the authentic letters of Paul where we are justified by faith that we will be saved on the last day. Ephesians was likely written in Paul’s name to a Gentile community. In the Gospel of Luke, a man asks Jesus to help with his concern about inheritance. This resolution of inheritance issues was often done by rabbis. Jesus resists the request with a parable about inheritance that Friar Jude notes underlines why we have such concern about material things that pass so quickly?

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 12:13-21 asks What kind of wealth are we looking for? To what degree is it riches that matter to the world, and to what degree is it riches that matter to God? Tell Jesus about the balance between the two, and ask him to reveal what he thinks about it.

If you let Jesus see your true desires, including whatever “bigger barns” you are hoping for, he will give you a glimpse into his desires for you. He will show you what it could be like if you were more rich in what matters to him—the joys, the spiritual insights, the sense of purpose, and, yes, the challenges. And he will fill you with a deeper desire to pursue that wealth—the wealth that really matters.

“Lord, help me to desire your treasures above all else.” (Meditation on Luke 12:13-21, 2026)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, considers how the lens of empire shifted the interpretation of the gospel. We are so aligned with our current money-making system that much of Jesus’s teaching, in which he says the top will be bottom and the bottom will be top, doesn’t make a bit of sense to us. (See Matthew 19:30, 20:16.) We don’t agree with it, privately or publicly.

There are, of course, the outliers, those who remained outside of empire. In the Catholic world there were the desert fathers and mothers, the Celts, and the mendicant orders. In the Protestant world, non-imperial Christianity was probably best illustrated by the Anabaptist movement, which led to groups like the Mennonites, the Amish, the Waldensians, the Bruderhof, and even the Quakers (although the Quakers aren’t really Anabaptists).

These forms of Christianity emphasize things like a simple lifestyle, non-participation in war, not taking oaths to governments, and not saluting the flags and systems of this world. These groups were never established by any state whatsoever, nor did they enjoy the privileges that came from being the established religion of the Roman, Spanish, or British Empires. This is actually to their benefit because once you’re established, you have to be careful! Your ability to speak truth will be highly limited. There’s a whole bunch of things you cannot say anymore. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ask the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation to enlighten our understanding of the material goals that may interfere with living in Christ as we honour our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet, and leader.

References

Ephesians, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/ephesians/2? 

Gillick, L. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-19-2026 

Luke, CHAPTER 12 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/12? 

Meditation on Luke 12:13-21. (2026, October 19). The Word Among Us. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/10/19/1696360/ 

Psalms, PSALM 100 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/100? 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Games of Empire. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-games-of-empire/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Storing up True Riches. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved October 19, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/