Daily Readings - Thu Oct 20 2022
Ephesians
13I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.14For this reason I kneel before the Father,15from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.16I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being,17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,18may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Luke
49"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!50But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed!51Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.52From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.53They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the transformative power of God’s grace and the challenges it presents in our lives. In the first reading from Ephesians, St. Paul prays for the community, asking that they be strengthened by the Spirit and filled with the fullness of God. He speaks of the boundless love of Christ, which surpasses all human understanding, and he gives glory to God for the wonders he accomplishes through us. This passage is a beautiful expression of hope and trust in God’s plan, even amidst trials and tribulations. Paul, though imprisoned, remains steadfast in his faith, knowing that his sufferings contribute to the glory of God and the edification of the Church.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of the fire he has come to cast upon the earth, a fire that will bring division rather than peace. He describes how even within families, loyalties will be tested as some follow him while others oppose him. This passage is often misunderstood, but it highlights the radical nature of discipleship. Following Christ is not about maintaining comfort or avoiding conflict; it is about being transformed by his love and living according to his truth, even when it challenges our relationships and our world.
These readings remind us that living a life rooted in faith is not always easy. It requires strength from the Holy Spirit to embrace God’s plan, even when it leads to division or discomfort. In our daily lives, we are called to be instruments of Christ’s love, sharing his truth with courage and patience. Let us ask for the grace to be filled with the fullness of God, so that we may embrace the challenges of discipleship and bring his transformative love to a world in need.