Daily Readings - Sat Oct 19 2019
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
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the power of faith and the trust we place in God’s promises. The first reading from Romans reminds us of Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promise, even when all human hope seemed lost. Paul emphasizes that Abraham’s faith, not his observance of the law, was the foundation of his relationship with God. This faith was so strong that it brought life to what was barren and gave existence to what did not exist. Abraham’s story teaches us that God’s promises are not limited by human limitations but are fulfilled through trust in His divine plan.
The Gospel reading from Luke complements this theme by highlighting the importance of confessing our faith in Jesus boldly. Jesus assures us that if we acknowledge Him before others, He will acknowledge us before the angels of God. However, this passage also warns us about the gravity of rejecting the Holy Spirit, the source of truth and guidance. When we face challenges or persecutions, we are reminded not to rely on our own strength but to trust in the Holy Spirit, who will guide us in our words and actions. This teaching calls us to live with courage and fidelity, knowing that God is always with us.
These readings challenge us to examine our own faith and trust in God. Like Abraham, we are called to believe beyond what we can see or understand, trusting that God’s promises are always at work in our lives. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we are invited to profess our faith boldly, even in uncertain times, and to rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and wisdom. Let us ask ourselves: Do we truly trust in God’s plan for our lives? Are we willing to stand firm in our faith, even when it is difficult? May we, like Abraham, become fathers and mothers of faith, trusting in the God who brings life out of nothing and who guides us through the Holy Spirit.