Daily Readings - Fri Oct 14 2022

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 God’s plan for us and the call to live with authenticity and trust in His providence. In the first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul reminds us that we have been chosen by God in accordance with His eternal plan. We are predestined to share in His glory, sealed with the Holy Spirit as a pledge of our inheritance. This passage emphasizes God’s initiative in our salvation and the profound dignity He has bestowed upon us. In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, urging them to live with transparency and trust in God’s care. He reminds us that nothing is hidden from God and that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather reverence the One who has the power to cast into Hell. Jesus reassures us of our worth in God’s eyes, noting that even the smallest sparrows are not forgotten, and every hair on our head is counted. These readings are connected by the theme of trust in God’s plan and the call to authenticity. In Ephesians, we see the grand design of God’s love, while in Luke, we are reminded of the practical implications of living out that love in sincerity and faith. Together, they encourage us to embrace our identity as beloved children of God and to live without fear, knowing that we are valued beyond measure. In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our own hypocrisy and to live with greater transparency. Let us ask ourselves: Are there areas where we hide behind masks or pretend to be something we are not? Let us turn to God, who sees all and loves us deeply, and trust in His plan for our lives. May we find courage to live authentically, remembering that we are not just valued but cherished by God. Let us pray for the grace to fear only what displeases Him and to place our complete trust in His loving care.