Daily Readings - Thu Oct 20 2022
Ephesians
13Because of this, I ask you not to be weakened by my tribulations on your behalf; for this is your glory14By reason of this grace, I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ15from whom all paternity in heaven and on earth takes its name16And I ask him to grant to you to be strengthened in virtue by his Spirit, in accord with the wealth of his glory, in the inner man17so that Christ may live in your hearts through a faith rooted in, and founded on, charity18So may you be able to embrace, with all the saints, what is the width and length and height and dept19of the charity of Christ, and even be able to know that which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God20Now to him who is able to do all things, more abundantly than we could ever ask or understand, by means of the virtue which is at work in us21to him be glory, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, throughout every generation, forever and ever. Amen
Luke
49I have come to cast a fire upon the earth. And what should I desire, except that it may be kindled50And I have a baptism, with which I am to be baptized. And how I am constrained, even until it may be accomplished51Do you think that I have come to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but division52For from this time on, there will be five in one house: divided as three against two, and as two against three53A father will be divided against a son, and a son against his father; a mother against a daughter and a daughter against a mother; a mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of God’s grace and the challenges it presents in our lives. In the first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul prays for the community, asking that they be strengthened by the Spirit and filled with the fullness of God. He speaks of the boundless love of Christ, which surpasses all human understanding, and he gives glory to God for the wonders he accomplishes through us. This passage is a beautiful expression of hope and trust in God’s plan, even amidst trials and tribulations. Paul, though imprisoned, remains steadfast in his faith, knowing that his sufferings contribute to the glory of God and the edification of the Church.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the fire he has come to cast upon the earth, a fire that will bring division rather than peace. He describes how even within families, loyalties will be tested as some follow him while others oppose him. This passage is often misunderstood, but it highlights the radical nature of discipleship. Following Christ is not about maintaining comfort or avoiding conflict; it is about being transformed by his love and living according to his truth, even when it challenges our relationships and our world.
These readings remind us that living a life rooted in faith is not always easy. It requires strength from the Holy Spirit to embrace God’s plan, even when it leads to division or discomfort. In our daily lives, we are called to be instruments of Christ’s love, sharing his truth with courage and patience. Let us ask for the grace to be filled with the fullness of God, so that we may embrace the challenges of discipleship and bring his transformative love to a world in need.