Daily Readings for October 17, 2015

1ST READING

Paul explains the faith of Abraham. We must also understand it so that we can imitate it. Let us take time to read through chapter 4 and understand Paul’s point. Once understood, it will give us an insight into faith that is freeing. It is God who works the miracle of faith if we are willing to trust in His promises completely.

Romans 4:13, 16-18

13 Brothers and sisters: It was not through the law that the promise was made to Abraham and his descendants that he would inherit the world, but through the righteousness that comes from faith. 16 For this reason, it depends on faith, so that it may be a gift, and the promise may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not to those who only adhere to the law but to those who follow the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us, 17 as it is written, I have made you father of many nations. He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist. 18 He believed, hoping against hope, that he would become the father of many nations, according to what was said, thus shall your descendants be.

P S A L M

Psalm 105:6-7, 8-9, 42-43

R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. (R) 8 He remembers forever his covenant which he made binding for a thousand generations, 9 which he entered into with Abraham and by his oath to Isaac. (R) 42 For he remembered his holy word to his servant Abraham. 43 And he led forth his people with joy; with shouts of joy, his chosen ones. (R)

GOSPEL

St. Ignatius of Antioch fervently desired to give his life for his faith. In the letters he wrote to various Christian communities, Ignatius asked them not to pray for his release. He wanted to give the most perfect witness of faith — martyrdom. This may not be for all of us, but we should reflect on the desire of Ignatius and be inspired by him. Let us pray for the grace to embrace our faith and to remain true to it no matter what obstacle may confront us.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord, and you also will testify.

Luke 12:8-12

8 Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. 9 But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God. 10 “Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 When they take you before synagogues and before rulers and authorities, do not worry about how or what your defense will be or about what you are to say. 12 For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you should say.”

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