Daily Readings | November 11, 2026
Today's Readings
- Epistle: ST. PAUL’S SECOND LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS 4:6–15
- Gospel: LUKE 12:48–59
- Saint of the Day: Holy Great Martyr Menas of Egypt
- Fast: ABSTAIN FROM MEAT, FISH, DAIRY, EGGS
Epistle of the Day
Brethren, it is the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness, ” who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.
Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, “I believed, and so I spoke, ” we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Gospel of the Day
LUKE 12:48–59
The Lord said, “Every one to whom much is given, of him will much be required; and of him to whom men commit much they will demand the more. I came to cast fire upon the earth; and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how I am constrained until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division; for henceforth in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three; they will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against her mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” He also said to the multitudes, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat’; and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky; but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out till you have paid the very last copper.
Gospel Reflection
Jesus teaches us that the more blessings, knowledge, and responsibilities we receive from God, the more we are expected to use them wisely. Our gifts are meant to serve others and glorify Him. The fire He speaks of points toward the transforming power of His mission and the judgment that comes with accepting or rejecting God’s truth. His baptism refers to the suffering and death He will undergo for our salvation.
Jesus explains that following Him may sometimes bring division, even within families. This does not mean Christ desires conflict, but that commitment to His truth can lead to disagreement. He asks the crowds why they can interpret the weather yet fail to recognize the spiritual importance of His presence. We are called to recognize God’s truth and respond faithfully.
The main message is that we must take our faith seriously, use God’s blessings responsibly, and seek repentance while we have time. Jesus encourages us to examine our lives, recognize what is right, and make peace with others. Through humility, forgiveness, and obedience, we prepare our hearts for His Kingdom.
Saint of the Day
Holy Great Martyr Menas of Egypt
Saint Menas was born in Egypt and served as a respected military officer in the Roman army during the reign of Emperors Diocletian and Maximian. Known for his bravery, patience, and self-discipline, he refused to obey the imperial order to worship idols and persecute Christians. He surrendered his military rank and withdrew to the mountains near Kotyaeion to devote himself to fasting, prayer, and spiritual struggle.
After a long period of solitude, Saint Menas received a vision that he understood as a calling to martyrdom. He returned to the city during a pagan festival and boldly proclaimed Jesus Christ as the one true God. The authorities seized him and brought him before the prefect, Pyrrhus.
Saint Menas explained that he had left the army rather than deny Christ. Although the prefect offered to restore his rank if he sacrificed to idols, Menas refused. He endured cruel tortures without abandoning his faith, and the prefect finally ordered his execution.
Before his death, Menas asked Christian friends to bring his body back to Egypt after the persecution. He was beheaded in the year 304. His friends preserved his relics, which were later taken to Egypt and placed in a church dedicated to him southwest of Alexandria.
By God’s grace, Saint Menas became known for miracles of healing, help in spiritual afflictions, and protection in danger. The faithful also seek his intercessions when searching for lost belongings.
According to a tradition associated with the 1942 Battle of El Alamein, Saint Menas appeared near his ancient church and protected the region during the fighting. Believers attributed the enemy retreat to his intercession, and efforts followed to restore his church.
His courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to Christ remind us to remain faithful in hardship and place God above worldly honor and comfort.
