Daily Readings for October 14, 2016

 1ST READING

Let us reflect on the truth of being “sealed with the promise of the Holy Spirit.” We have also been sealed “in the Blood of Christ.” This idea is based on the practice in the Roman Army where a soldier was “branded” with the seal of the emperor to show that he belonged to the emperor. To belong to Christ is both a pleasure and a privilege.

Ephesians 1:11-14

11 Brothers and sisters: In Christ we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will, 12 so that we might exist for the praise of his glory, we who first hoped in Christ. 13 In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the Gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14which is the first installment of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s possession, to the praise of his glory.

P S A L M

Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 12-13

R: Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own.

1 Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting. 2 Give thanks to the Lord on the harp; with the ten-stringed lyre chant his praises. (R) 4 For upright is the word of the Lord, and all his works are trustworthy. 5 He loves justice and right; of the kindness of the Lord the earth is full. (R) 12 Blessed the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he has chosen for his own inheritance. 13 From heaven the Lord looks down; he sees all mankind. (R)

GOSPEL

Christians are the leaven in society. Leaven is an important ingredient in baking bread. Without it, the bread hardens like a rock. The same is true of a Christian who does not “leaven” society with his faith. We must live as disciples of Jesus and not allow the witness of our life to be rendered useless in society.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us; who have put our hope in you.

Luke 12:1-7

1 At that time: so many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven — that is, the hypocrisy — of the Pharisees. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. 4 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. 5 I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. 7 Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”