Daily Readings - Fri Oct 16 2020

¹¹In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:¹²That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.¹³In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,¹⁴Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Luke

Chapter 12

¹In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.²For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.³Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.⁴And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.⁵But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?⁷But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye 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.