Daily Readings - Fri Oct 16 2020

¹¹In him, we too are called to our portion, having been predestined in accord with the plan of the One who accomplishes all things by the counsel of his will¹²So may we be, to the praise of his glory, we who have hoped beforehand in Christ¹³In him, you also, after you heard and believed the Word of truth, which is the Gospel of your salvation, were sealed with the Holy Spirit of the Promise¹⁴He is the pledge of our inheritance, unto the acquisition of redemption, to the praise of his glory

Luke

Chapter 12

¹Then, as great crowds were standing so close that they were stepping on one another, he began to say to his disciples: "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy²For there is nothing covered, which will not be revealed, nor anything hidden, which will not be known³For the things that you have spoken in darkness will be declared in the light. And what you have said in the ear in bedrooms will be proclaimed from the housetops⁴So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do⁵But I will reveal to you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after he will have killed, has the power to cast into Hell. So I say to you: Fear him⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? And yet not one of these is forgotten in the sight of God⁷But even the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are reminded of God’s profound plan for us and the call to live with authenticity and trust in His providence. The first reading from Ephesians speaks of our predestination in God’s plan, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance. This passage reassures us that we are part of a larger divine narrative, chosen and loved by God, and called to live in hope and joy. The Gospel from Luke, however, shifts our focus to the importance of living without hypocrisy. Jesus warns his disciples to beware the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy, and encourages them to trust in God’s care rather than fear those who can harm the body. Both readings, though different in tone, are deeply connected. Ephesians emphasizes God’s initiative in our lives, highlighting His plan and the gift of the Holy Spirit who seals us as His own. Luke’s Gospel, on the other hand, calls us to respond to this gift with authenticity and trust. Jesus reminds us that nothing is hidden from God and that we are worth more than many sparrows. Together, these readings invite us to live with integrity, knowing that we are secure in God’s love and care. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with the authenticity and trust that God calls us to? Do we recognize the depth of God’s love for us, even in the smallest details of our lives? Let us strive to live without hypocrisy, trusting in God’s plan and care for us. May we embrace the truth that we are beloved children of God, and may this truth guide us in living lives of hope, integrity, and courage.