Daily Readings - Sat Oct 21 2017
Romans
13It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring--not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.18Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
Luke
8"I tell you, whoever acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels of God.9But he who disowns me before men will be disowned before the angels of God.10And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.11"When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,12for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the power of faith and trust in our relationship with God. In the first reading from Romans, Paul emphasizes that Abraham's faith, not the law, was the foundation of the promise he received from God. This promise extends to all who share Abraham's faith, making us part of a larger family through grace. The context of this passage is Paul's discussion on the relationship between faith and the law, highlighting that faith is the cornerstone of our inheritance in God's plan.
The Gospel from Luke complements this message by focusing on the importance of confessing Jesus before others and trusting in the Holy Spirit during trials. Jesus teaches that our acknowledgment of him will be acknowledged by him in heaven, while denial will lead to separation. The context here is Jesus preparing his disciples for the challenges they will face, reassuring them that the Holy Spirit will guide their words and actions. Together, these readings underscore the dual aspects of faith: as the foundation of our relationship with God and as the active trust we need in daily life.
In our daily lives, these teachings encourage us to embrace faith as both a belief and a practice. Like Abraham, we are called to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Similarly, we are urged to be bold in our confession of Jesus, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us in moments of challenge. The moral lesson here is clear: faith is not passive but an active trust that shapes our actions and decisions, leading us to a deeper and more authentic relationship with God.