Daily Readings - Thu Oct 20 2022
Ephesians
13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Luke
49I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the 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.