Daily Readings - Wed Oct 16 2019
Romans
1For this reason, O man, each one of you who judges is inexcusable. For by that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you do the same things that you judge2For we know that the judgment of God is in accord with truth against those who do such things3But, O man, when you judge those who do such things as you yourself also do, do you think that you will escape the judgment of God4Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and patience and forbearance? Do you not know that the kindness of God is calling you to repentance5But in accord with your hard and impenitent heart, you store up wrath for yourself, unto the day of wrath and of revelation by the just judgment of God6For he will render to each one according to his works7To those who, in accord with patient good works, seek glory and honor and incorruption, certainly, he will render eternal life8But to those who are contentious and who do not acquiesce to the truth, but instead trust in iniquity, he will render wrath and indignation9Tribulation and anguish are upon every soul of man that works evil: the Jew first, and also the Greek10But glory and honor and peace are for all who do what is good: the Jew first, and also the Greek11For there is no favoritism with God
Luke
42But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you ignore judgment and the charity of God. But these things you ought to have done, without omitting the others43Woe to you, Pharisees! For you love the first seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the marketplace44Woe to you! For you are like graves that are not noticeable, so that men walk over them without realizing it.45Then one of the experts in the law, in response, said to him, "Teacher, in saying these things, you bring an insult against us as well.46So he said: "And woe to you experts in the law! For you weigh men down with burdens which they are not able to bear, but you yourselves do not touch the weight with even one of your fingers
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of living a life rooted in genuine faith and justice. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul warns against judging others while ignoring our own failings. He reminds us that God’s judgment is fair and based on truth, not favoritism. Those who act with patience, seek glory, and do good will receive eternal life, while those who are contentious and disobedient will face wrath. This passage calls us to self-reflection and repentance, urging us to align our actions with the kindness and mercy of God.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, criticizing their outward piety while neglecting the weightier matters of justice and love. He condemns their love for prestige and their failure to live authentically, comparing them to hidden graves—appearances of righteousness but inward corruption. This teaching challenges us to examine our own lives: do we prioritize the external trappings of faith while ignoring its deeper demands? Jesus’ words remind us that true faith is not about appearances but about living with integrity, compassion, and humility.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the importance of living in accordance with God’s truth rather than outward displays of piety. They call us to move beyond hypocrisy and superficiality, embracing a life of genuine faith and moral consistency. Let us ask ourselves: Are we like the Pharisees, focused on appearances, or are we striving to live with hearts open to God’s love and justice? May we seek to do good, not for recognition, but because it is who we are called to be as children of God.