Daily Readings - Fri Oct 11 2024
Galatians
6Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.7Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.9So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.12And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Luke
15But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils.16And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.17But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.18If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.19And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges.20But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.21When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace:22But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.23He that is not with me is against me: and he that gathereth not with me scattereth.24When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out.25And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished.26Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of faith, justification, and spiritual warfare. The first reading from Galatians emphasizes that faith in God, as exemplified by Abraham, justifies us, not adherence to the law. Paul explains that through faith, Gentiles are included in God's promise to Abraham, and Christ's sacrifice redeems us from the law's curse. The second reading from Luke presents Jesus confronting accusations of using demonic power, where He illustrates the futility of a divided kingdom and the inevitability of the stronger man overcoming evil. He warns that an empty spiritual house invites worse evil, stressing the need for spiritual vigilance.
Both readings highlight the centrality of faith in our spiritual lives. Galatians underscores that our justification comes through faith, uniting believers across cultures and backgrounds. Luke's passage reminds us that faith is our armor in spiritual battles, protecting us from evil's influence. Together, they teach us to trust in God's power and grace, rather than our own efforts or strength.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine our spiritual state. We must ensure our hearts are filled with God's presence, cultivated through prayer and sacraments, to prevent the return of evil. By living in faith, we join Abraham and Christ in a spiritual lineage that transcends the law, embracing God's promise of eternal life. Let us strive to be strong in faith, knowing that true strength lies in God, and that without Him, we are vulnerable to spiritual decay.