Memorial of St. Seraphin of Montegranaro, Religious
October 12, 2018
First Reading: Galatians 3:7-14
7So you see that it is men of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9So then, those who are men of faith are blessed with Abraham who had faith. 10For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be every one who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, and do them.”11Now it is evident that no man is justified before God by the law; for “He who through faith is righteous shall live”; 12but the law does not rest on faith, for “He who does them shall live by them.” 13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “Cursed be every one who hangs on a tree” — 14that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
1Praise the LORD. I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.2Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who have pleasure in them. 3Full of honor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures for ever. 4He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful. 5He provides food for those who fear him; he is ever mindful of his covenant. 6He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.
15But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Be-el’zebul, the prince of demons”; 16while others, to test him, sought from him a sign from heaven. 17But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. 18And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Be-el’zebul. 19And if I cast out demons by Be-el’zebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 20But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; 22but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. 23He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters. 24“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he passes through waterless places seeking rest; and finding none he says, `I will return to my house from which I came.’ 25And when he comes he finds it swept and put in order. 26Then he goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.”
Reflection for the day: ‘Worldly virtues promote human glory, spiritual virtues the glory of God.’ -St. Thalassios the Libyan
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