Daily Readings for October 19, 2018

1st READING

The Greek word sphragis means seal and it connotes a branding iron burnt into one’s flesh. Regarding our faith, this means that baptism is like having a seal of God’s ownership branded into your flesh. Are we committed to Christ? Let us pray for the grace to follow Jesus.

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, 14 which 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 

There are good and bad things that can act as leaven in us. We decide to foster the former and reject the latter with the help of the Holy Spirit. When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he discovered that the people had only been forgiven for their sins and had not yet received the Holy Spirit in baptism. He probably rectified the matter by praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them.

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.”