Daily Readings | October 29, 2026
Today’s Readings
- Gospel: Luke 11:14–23
- Epistle: St. Paul’s Letter to the Colossians 4:2–9
- Saint of the Day: Holy Virgin Martyr Anastasia the Roman
Epistle of the Day
Gospel of the Day
Luke 11:14–23
At that time, Jesus was casting out a demon that was dumb; when the demon had gone out, the dumb man spoke, and the people marveled. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons”; while others, to test Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven. But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls. And if Satan also is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul. And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace; but when one stronger than he assails him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoil. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.”
Gospel Reflection
In this Gospel, Jesus heals a man who was unable to speak because of a demon. While many people are amazed by this miracle, others accuse Jesus of using the power of evil to cast out demons. Jesus explains that evil cannot defeat itself, just as a kingdom divided against itself cannot survive. Through this, He shows that His power comes from God and that His miracles are signs of God’s Kingdom being present among the people.
Jesus then describes a strong man guarding his home, explaining that only someone stronger can overcome him. This teaches us that Christ is stronger than Satan and all the powers of evil. Through His divine power, Jesus frees people from the darkness that holds them captive. His miracles reveal not only His authority over evil but also His love and desire to bring healing, freedom, and salvation to those who believe in Him.
The main message is that we must remain united with Christ and choose to follow Him faithfully. When Jesus says, “He who is not with Me is against Me,” He reminds us that our faith should be reflected in our actions and decisions. We are called to trust in His power, recognize His goodness, and avoid anything that separates us from God. By staying close to Christ through prayer, faith, and love, we allow His light to guide our lives.
Saint of the Day
Holy Virgin Martyr Anastasia the Roman
Saint Anastasia lived in Rome during the third century, during the reign of Emperor Decius and the persecution of Christians. She was young and beautiful, possessing many of the things that the world considers desirable. However, Anastasia understood that earthly pleasures and riches were temporary. From a young age, she chose to dedicate her life entirely to Jesus Christ.
Desiring to live a life of prayer, purity, and devotion to God, Anastasia entered a small monastery in Rome, where she was guided by a wise and virtuous nun named Sophia. Under Sophia’s care, she grew in faith and spiritual strength, learning to resist worldly temptations and to place her love for Christ above everything else.
The devil, seeing Anastasia’s devotion to God, sought to destroy her faith through suffering and persecution. When the time came for her to confess Christ openly, she was brought before the governor of the city. Despite her youth, Anastasia courageously declared herself a Christian and refused to worship the pagan gods. She showed no fear of the threats made against her, knowing that neither suffering nor death could separate her from the love of Christ.
Angered by her refusal, the governor ordered Anastasia to be tortured. She was subjected to terrible suffering, yet she remained steadfast in her faith. Rather than allowing the pain to weaken her devotion, she endured it with courage and spiritual joy, longing to be united with Christ.
The tormentors struck Anastasia repeatedly, broke her body upon a wheel, mutilated her, and finally cut out her tongue, which had continued to give thanks to God throughout her suffering. Yet even these cruel torments could not overcome her faith. Through her steadfast endurance, Saint Anastasia received the victorious crown of martyrdom, remaining faithful to Christ until the end.
After her martyrdom, an Angel appeared to Sophia and instructed her to gather Anastasia’s holy relics. Sophia lovingly fulfilled this command, honouring the young woman whom she had guided in the spiritual life. Many of Saint Anastasia’s relics are now venerated at the Monastery of Grigoriou on Mount Athos.
Saint Anastasia the Roman is remembered for her purity, courage, and unwavering love for Jesus Christ. Her life reminds us that true beauty is found in holiness and that no earthly suffering can overcome a heart completely devoted to God. Through her example, we are encouraged to remain faithful to Christ, even when our faith is tested.
