Daily Readings - Wed Oct 14 2020
Galatians
18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law19Now the works of the flesh are manifest; they are: fornication, lust, homosexuality, self-indulgence20the serving of idols, drug use, hostility, contentiousness, jealousy, wrath, quarrels, dissensions, divisions21envy, murder, inebriation, carousing, and similar things. About these things, I continue to preach to you, as I have preached to you: that those who act in this way shall not obtain the kingdom of God22But the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, forbearance23meekness, faith, modesty, abstinence, chastity. There is no law against such things24For those who are Christ’s have crucified their flesh, along with its vices and desires25If we live by the Spirit, we should also walk by the Spirit
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
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of authentic Christian living. The first reading from Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit, reminding us that true freedom comes not from following the law, but from being led by the Holy Spirit. The flesh, with its selfish desires, leads to division and chaos, while the Spirit cultivates love, peace, and patience. This passage, written by St. Paul to a church struggling with legalism, emphasizes that those who belong to Christ have crucified their flesh, choosing instead to live by the Spirit.
The Gospel from Luke presents a complementary message, as Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. While they meticulously observe outward practices like tithing, they neglect the weightier matters of justice and love. Jesus’ words are a stark reminder that our faith must not be reduced to external rituals but must transform our hearts and actions. This passage, part of Jesus’ broader critique of religious hypocrisy, challenges us to examine whether our faith is merely superficial or deeply rooted in love and compassion.
Together, these readings call us to a life of authenticity and integrity. The Spirit desires to produce fruit in us that reflects God’s love and peace, but this requires us to let go of self-centeredness and hypocrisy. In our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Are we more concerned with appearances, or are we allowing the Spirit to transform us from within? True Christian living is not about checking boxes or seeking recognition, but about living in such a way that the love of Christ shines through us. Let us strive to be people of substance, not just appearance, and to bear the fruit of the Spirit in all we do.