Daily Readings - Fri Oct 16 2020

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

In today’s readings, we are reminded of God’s profound plan for us and the call to live with authenticity and trust in His providence. The first reading from Ephesians speaks of our predestination in God’s plan, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance. This passage reassures us that we are part of a larger divine narrative, chosen and loved by God, and called to live in hope and joy. The Gospel from Luke, however, shifts our focus to the importance of living without hypocrisy. Jesus warns his disciples to beware the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy, and encourages them to trust in God’s care rather than fear those who can harm the body. Both readings, though different in tone, are deeply connected. Ephesians emphasizes God’s initiative in our lives, highlighting His plan and the gift of the Holy Spirit who seals us as His own. Luke’s Gospel, on the other hand, calls us to respond to this gift with authenticity and trust. Jesus reminds us that nothing is hidden from God and that we are worth more than many sparrows. Together, these readings invite us to live with integrity, knowing that we are secure in God’s love and care. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are we living with the authenticity and trust that God calls us to? Do we recognize the depth of God’s love for us, even in the smallest details of our lives? Let us strive to live without hypocrisy, trusting in God’s plan and care for us. May we embrace the truth that we are beloved children of God, and may this truth guide us in living lives of hope, integrity, and courage.