Daily Readings - Sat Oct 19 2024

¹⁵Because of this, and hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus, and of your love toward all the saints¹⁶I have not ceased giving thanks for you, calling you to mind in my prayers¹⁷so that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give a spirit of wisdom and of revelation to you, in knowledge of him¹⁸May the eyes of your heart be illuminated, so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and the wealth of the glory of his inheritance with the saints¹⁹and the preeminent magnitude of his virtue toward us, toward we who believe in accord with the work of his powerful virtue²⁰which he wrought in Christ, raising him from the dead and establishing him at his right hand in the heavens²¹above every principality and power and virtue and dominion, and above every name that is given, not only in this age, but even in the future age²²And he has subjected all things under his feet, and he has made him the head over the entire Church²³which is his body and which is the fullness of him who accomplishes everything in everyone

Luke

Chapter 12

⁸But I say to you: Everyone who will have confessed me before men, the Son of man will also confess him before the Angels of God⁹But everyone who will have denied me before men, he will be denied before the Angels of God¹⁰And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven of him. But of him who will have blasphemed against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven¹¹And when they will lead you to the synagogues, and to magistrates and authorities, do not choose to be worried about how or what you will answer, or about what you might say¹²For the Holy Spirit will teach you, in the same hour, what you must say.

Sermon

In today's readings, we delve into the essence of faith, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the call to bold discipleship. The first reading from Ephesians is a heartfelt prayer where Paul expresses gratitude for the faith and love of the Ephesian community. He prays for their spiritual enlightenment, that they may grasp the hope and riches of their inheritance in Christ. This passage emphasizes the exalted position of Christ, who is above all creation and the head of the Church, which is His body. It invites us to reflect on our understanding of Christ's role in our lives and the Church's unity in Him. The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the personal commitment required in following Christ. Jesus underscores the importance of openly confessing Him, promising that such faithfulness will be acknowledged before the angels. Conversely, denial of Him will lead to being denied. Jesus also addresses the gravity of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, a sin that goes unforgiven. He then offers reassurance, urging the disciples not to fear persecution, for the Holy Spirit will guide their words in times of trial. These readings intertwine through the theme of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers. In Ephesians, the Spirit provides wisdom and revelation, while in Luke, the Spirit offers courage and guidance in adversity. Together, they remind us that our faith journey is not solitary but supported by divine grace. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to trust in the Spirit's power, embracing our role as faithful witnesses of Christ. May we seek the Spirit's wisdom and courage, living as bold and hopeful disciples, united in the body of Christ.