Daily Readings - Fri Oct 16 2020

¹¹In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,¹²so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.¹³In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,¹⁴who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Luke

Chapter 12

¹In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.²Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.³Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.⁴"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.⁵But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.⁷Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value 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.