Daily Readings - Tue Oct 17 2017

First Reading - Romans 1.16-25

¹⁶For I am not ashamed of the Gospel. For it is the power of God unto salvation for all believers, the Jew first, and the Greek¹⁷For the justice of God is revealed within it, by faith unto faith, just as it was written: "For the just one lives by faith.¹⁸For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven over every impiety and injustice among those men who fend off the truth of God with injustice¹⁹For what is known about God is manifest in them. For God has manifested it to them²⁰For unseen things about him have been made conspicuous, since the creation of the world, being understood by the things that were made; likewise his everlasting virtue and divinity, so much so that they have no excuse²¹For although they had known God, they did not glorify God, nor give thanks. Instead, they became weakened in their thoughts, and their foolish heart was obscured²²For, while proclaiming themselves to be wise, they became foolish²³And they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of flying things, and of four-legged beasts, and of serpents²⁴For this reason, God handed them over to the desires of their own heart for impurity, so that they afflicted their own bodies with indignities among themselves²⁵And they exchanged the truth of God for a lie. And they worshipped and served the creature, rather than the Creator, who is blessed for all eternity. Amen

Gospel - Luke 11.37-41

Luke

Chapter 11

³⁷And as he was speaking, a certain Pharisee asked him to eat with him. And going inside, he sat down to eat³⁸But the Pharisee began to say, thinking within himself: "Why might it be that he has not washed before eating?³⁹And the Lord said to him: "You Pharisees today clean what is outside the cup and the plate, but what is inside of you is full of plunder and iniquity⁴⁰Fools! Did not he who made what is outside, indeed also make what is inside⁴¹Yet truly, give what is above as alms, and behold, all things are clean for you

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on the nature of faith, integrity, and the human condition. The first reading from Romans reminds us that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation, yet it also warns us about the consequences of turning away from God. Paul describes how humanity, despite knowing God, has often chosen to exchange the truth for lies, worshipping creation rather than the Creator. This passage calls us to reflect on our own relationship with God and whether we, too, have allowed our hearts to grow darkened by sin or pride. The Gospel from Luke offers a complementary message. Jesus is criticized by a Pharisee for not washing before eating, but he turns the tables by pointing out the Pharisee’s own hypocrisy. While they focus on outward cleanliness, their inner lives are filled with greed and wickedness. Jesus’ words are a stark reminder that true purity comes not from external rituals but from a heart transformed by love and humility. This teaching challenges us to examine our own lives: are we more concerned with appearances, or are we striving to live with integrity and authenticity? Both readings invite us to look inward. Paul warns us against the spiritual decay that comes from rejecting God’s truth, while Jesus calls us to recognize the emptiness of outward piety without inner conversion. In our daily lives, we are often tempted to present a polished exterior while neglecting the state of our souls. Let us ask ourselves: Are we living as true followers of Christ, or are we merely going through the motions? May we turn to God with honest hearts, seeking to be cleansed from within, so that our lives may truly reflect the justice and love of God.