Daily Readings - Fri Oct 14 2022

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

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.