Daily Readings - Fri Oct 07 2022
Galatians
6It is just as it was written: "Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.7Therefore, know that those who are of faith, these are the sons of Abraham8Thus Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, foretold to Abraham: "All nations shall be blessed in you.9And so, those who are of faith shall be blessed with faithful Abraham10For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it has been written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all the things that have been written in the book of the Law, so as to do them.11And, since in the law no one is justified with God, this is manifest: "For the just man lives by faith.12But the law is not of faith; instead, "he who does these things shall live by them.13Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, since he became a curse for us. For it is written: "Cursed is anyone who hangs from a tree.14This was so that the blessing of Abraham might reach the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, in order that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith
Luke
15But some of them said, "It is by Beelzebub, the leader of demons, that he casts out demons.16And others, testing him, required a sign from heaven of him17But when he perceived their thoughts, he said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself will become desolate, and house will fall upon house18So then, if Satan is also divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebub that I cast out demons19But if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your own sons cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your judges20Moreover, if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then certainly the kingdom of God has overtaken you21When a strong armed man guards his entrance, the things that he possesses are at peace22But if a stronger one, overwhelming him, has defeated him, he will take away all his weapons, in which he trusted, and he will distribute his spoils23Whoever is not with me, is against me. And whoever does not gather with me, scatters24When an unclean spirit has departed from a man, he walks through waterless places, seeking rest. And not finding any, he says: ‘I will return to my house, from which I departed.25And when he has arrived, he finds it swept clean and decorated26Then he goes, and he takes in seven other spirits with him, more wicked than himself, and they enter and live there. And so, the end of that man is made worse than the beginning.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the themes of faith, God's power, and the triumph over evil. The first reading from Galatians emphasizes that faith, not adherence to the law, justifies us. Paul explains that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, highlighting that faith is the cornerstone of our relationship with God. Christ's redemption frees us from the law's curse, offering salvation through faith.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus facing accusations of casting out demons by Beelzebub. He counters by illustrating the illogic of a divided kingdom and uses the parable of the strong man to show that only a greater power—God's kingdom—can overcome evil. The parable of the unclean spirit warns that without filling the void with God, evil can return more fiercely, underscoring the need for a strong spiritual foundation.
Both readings converge on the power of faith and God's strength. Galatians teaches us that faith justifies, while Luke shows that God's power overcomes evil. In daily life, this means trusting in God's strength and living with faith, avoiding complacency. The moral lesson is clear: faith in God's power is our salvation, guiding us to trust Him and live steadfastly, ensuring that evil does not regain a foothold in our lives.