Daily Readings - Sat Oct 19 2024

¹⁵Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,¹⁶Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;¹⁷That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:¹⁸The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,¹⁹And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,²⁰Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,²¹Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:²²And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,²³Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Luke

Chapter 12

⁸Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:⁹But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.¹⁰And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.¹¹And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:¹²For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Sermon

In today's readings, we delve into the essence of faith, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the call to bold discipleship. The first reading from Ephesians is a heartfelt prayer where Paul expresses gratitude for the faith and love of the Ephesian community. He prays for their spiritual enlightenment, that they may grasp the hope and riches of their inheritance in Christ. This passage emphasizes the exalted position of Christ, who is above all creation and the head of the Church, which is His body. It invites us to reflect on our understanding of Christ's role in our lives and the Church's unity in Him. The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the personal commitment required in following Christ. Jesus underscores the importance of openly confessing Him, promising that such faithfulness will be acknowledged before the angels. Conversely, denial of Him will lead to being denied. Jesus also addresses the gravity of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, a sin that goes unforgiven. He then offers reassurance, urging the disciples not to fear persecution, for the Holy Spirit will guide their words in times of trial. These readings intertwine through the theme of the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers. In Ephesians, the Spirit provides wisdom and revelation, while in Luke, the Spirit offers courage and guidance in adversity. Together, they remind us that our faith journey is not solitary but supported by divine grace. As we navigate life's challenges, we are called to trust in the Spirit's power, embracing our role as faithful witnesses of Christ. May we seek the Spirit's wisdom and courage, living as bold and hopeful disciples, united in the body of Christ.