Taking Home Faith
OCTOBER 11, 2026 TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST God’s grace is powerful and trustworthy. DAILY BIBLE READINGS These passages are related to the Lectionary texts for this Sunday. Sunday Monday Tuesday Matthew 22:1-14 Isaiah 25:1-9 Philippians 4:1-9 Wednesday Exodus 32:1-14 Thursday Parable of the wedding feast A prayer of thanks to God Paul encourages his co-workers The people make an idol Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 A nation asks for forgiveness Friday Saturday Sunday Matthew 5:1-11 Psalm 23 Matthew 22:15-22 The Beatitudes The Lord is my shepherd The question of paying taxes SCRIPTURE VERSE FOR THIS WEEK Finally beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philippians 4:8 (NRSV) PRAYERS AND BLESSING A Prayer for the Week: Dear God, guide our thoughts and actions in ways that reflect your reign of goodness and mercy through Christ our Lord. Amen. Mealtime Prayer: Dear God, you who promise us a feast of rich food, help us to take joy in this meal today. Amen. (Isaiah 25:6) A Blessing to Give: May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) © 2025 Milestones Ministry, LLC. All rights reserved. OCTOBER 11, 2026 HYMN OF THE WEEK Just As I Am, without One Plea WEEKLY MILESTONES Take a moment to tell or think about a recent mountain high and/or valley low in your life. CARING CONVERSATIONS Discuss in your home, small group, or use for personal reflections: When did you go to a party that was memorable? What made it memorable? Who do you think God would invite to a great banquet? Why? DEVOTIONS Read: Matthew 22:1-14. The good news of Jesus is powerful and meant to make a difference in the world. God’s mercy has the last word. It also includes a divine judgment that says that the marginalized, the “outsider,” the “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3) will be blessed. If we take the grace of God for granted, we not only miss the feast, we miss the fact that “many are called, but few are chosen” (v. 14). Jesus is quite aware that many will miss his invitation to a way of life that brings love and salvation rather than hate and judgment. This text is from Jesus’ final week before his crucifixion. The people see him as a prophet, a true messenger of God (Matthew 21:46), but soon he will suffer, be humiliated, and die. There will be false prophets who come along. They are like the guest who is not wearing the proper clothing and their message is to be rejected. Our life in Christ will not be associated with messages and actions of indifference, contempt, or hateful revenge to gain an advantage over others. God’s grace makes the difference in our lives and world; God’s grace is powerful and trustworthy. Discuss: What are some things we do that might take God’s grace and mercy for granted? Pray: God of grace and mercy, cleanse us of our way of life that can become indifferent to the people we do not want to see yet are the very people you love through Christ our Lord. Amen. SERVICE Jesus calls us to serve our neighbor in love. Based on the Daily Bible Readings and theme for this week, how can you help, support, and care for the homeless or those who are often overlooked? RITUALS AND TRADITIONS World Food Day is celebrated each year on October 16. It was founded by the United Nations in 1979 to raise awareness about hunger and malnutrition and to promote healthy food diets for all. There is a theme this week in the Bible readings about feasts and hospitality. Hospitality is receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, kind, and generous way. Think or talk about what it means to show hospitality. Prepare a healthy meal. Before eating it, take a moment to reflect on how you can help feed others. Pray: Dear God, we thank you for this meal, a sign of your care for us. Help us to care for others in the name of Jesus our Lord and Shepherd. Amen. In addition to Taking Faith Home, celebrate milestones in your daily life as an effective faith formation tool. Go to: www.milestonesministry.org
