Daily Readings - Thu Oct 31 2024
Ephesians
10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.11Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.16In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.17Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.19Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
Luke
31At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you."32He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'33In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day--for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!34"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!35Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Ephesians 6:10-20 invites us to don the armor of God, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual preparedness. This armor—comprising truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, and the Spirit—equips us to withstand the spiritual battles we face, not against flesh and blood, but against the forces of evil. The Apostle urges us to pray unceasingly for strength and for the courage to proclaim the Gospel boldly.
The Gospel from Luke 13:31-35 presents Jesus facing a threat from Herod, yet he remains undeterred in his mission. Jesus' response highlights his divine purpose, continuing his work of healing and casting out demons. His lament over Jerusalem reflects his sorrow over the city's rejection of the prophets and himself, illustrating the heart of a loving God who yearns to gather his children, only to be spurned. This passage underscores Jesus' unwavering commitment to his Father's will, even in the face of danger and rejection.
Both readings remind us to stand firm in our faith, trusting in God's providence amidst life's challenges. Just as Jesus faced opposition with courage, we too can face our struggles armed with the virtues of truth and righteousness. Let us apply this teaching by embracing our daily crosses with perseverance, using the armor of God to navigate life's adversities. May we, like Jesus, remain steadfast in our mission, trusting in God's plan and sorrowing for those who turn away from His love. In doing so, we reflect the heart of our loving Father, who desires to gather all under His wings.