Daily Readings - Fri Oct 14 2022

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

The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s plan for us and the call to live with authenticity and trust in His providence. In the first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul reminds us that we have been chosen by God in accordance with His eternal plan. We are predestined to share in His glory, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance. This passage emphasizes God’s initiative in our salvation and the profound dignity He has bestowed upon us. In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, urging them to live with transparency and trust in God’s care. He reminds us that nothing is hidden from God and that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather reverence the One who has the power to cast into Hell. Jesus reassures us of our worth in God’s eyes, noting that even the smallest sparrows are not forgotten, and every hair on our head is counted. These readings are connected by the theme of trust in God’s plan and the call to authenticity. In Ephesians, we see the grand design of God’s love, while in Luke, we are reminded of the practical implications of living out that love in sincerity and faith. Together, they encourage us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God and to live without fear, knowing that we are valued beyond measure. In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our own hypocrisy and to live with greater transparency. Let us ask ourselves: Are there areas where we hide behind masks or pretend to be something we are not? Let us turn to God, who sees all and loves us deeply, and trust in His plan for our lives. May we find courage to live authentically, remembering that we are not just valued but cherished by God. Let us pray for the grace to fear only what displeases Him and to place our complete trust in His loving care.