Daily Readings - Fri Oct 15 2021
Romans
1So then, what shall we say that Abraham had achieved, who is our father according to the flesh2For if Abraham was justified by works, he would have glory, but not with God3For what does Scripture say? "Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.4But for he who works, wages are not accounted according to grace, but according to debt5Yet truly, for he who does not work, but who believes in him who justifies the impious, his faith is reputed unto justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God6Similarly, David also declares the blessedness of a man, to whom God brings justice without works7"Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin.
Luke
1Then, as great crowds were standing so close that they were stepping on one another, he began to say to his disciples: "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy2For there is nothing covered, which will not be revealed, nor anything hidden, which will not be known3For the things that you have spoken in darkness will be declared in the light. And what you have said in the ear in bedrooms will be proclaimed from the housetops4So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do5But I will reveal to you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after he will have killed, has the power to cast into Hell. So I say to you: Fear him6Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? And yet not one of these is forgotten in the sight of God7But even the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between faith, works, and the ultimate trust we place in God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul explores the concept of justification through faith, using Abraham as an example. Abraham, though a father of many nations, was not justified by his actions but by his unwavering trust in God’s promise. This emphasizes that our relationship with God is rooted in grace, not in what we do to earn His favor. Similarly, David’s psalm is cited to show that true blessedness comes from having our sins forgiven, not from any merit of our own.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, urging them to live with authenticity and transparency. He reminds them that nothing remains hidden forever; what is done in secret will eventually be revealed. Jesus then encourages His followers not to fear those who can harm the body but to fear the One who has the power to cast into Hell. This is not a call to fear in the sense of dread but a reminder of the reverence and trust we should have in God, who knows every detail of our lives, even the number of hairs on our heads.
These readings call us to live with humility and authenticity, trusting in God’s plan rather than relying on our own efforts or outward appearances. Let us reflect on whether we are living with genuine faith, trusting in God’s grace, and being truthful in our words and actions. May we remember that our worth comes not from what we do but from who we are in God’s eyes—beloved children, worth more than many sparrows.