Daily Readings - Fri Oct 19 2018

¹¹In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,¹²in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.¹³And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,¹⁴who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession--to the praise of his glory.

Luke

Chapter 12

¹Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.²There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.³What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.⁴"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.⁵But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.⁷Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound relationship between God’s plan for us and our response to His call in daily life. In the first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul reminds us that we have been chosen by God, predestined in accordance with His will, and sealed with the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance. This passage emphasizes that our lives are not random or without purpose; we are part of a divine plan, and everything unfolds under God’s providence. The Gospel from Luke complements this by warning us against hypocrisy and encouraging us to live with integrity, trusting in God’s care and providence rather than fearing the opinions or actions of others. The context of Ephesians is a letter to the early Christian community, reassuring them of their identity as God’s chosen people. Paul wants them to understand that their faith is not just a personal choice but a calling rooted in God’s eternal plan. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is addressing his disciples, cautioning them against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and urging them to live authentically. He reminds them that nothing is hidden forever and that they should not fear those who can harm the body but have no power over the soul. Instead, they should trust in God, who knows and cares for even the smallest details of their lives. These readings are deeply connected. Both emphasize living in accordance with God’s will and trusting in His plan. Ephesians calls us to recognize our dignity as children of God, while Luke’s Gospel challenges us to live with honesty and courage, free from the fear of others. Together, they remind us that our lives are not our own but are part of a larger story shaped by God’s love. In daily life, this means embracing our faith with integrity, rejecting hypocrisy, and trusting that God’s providence will guide us through every challenge. Let us strive to live in such a way that we reflect the truth of who we are: beloved children of God, sealed with the Holy Spirit and called to His glory.