Daily Readings - Fri Oct 29 2021
Romans
1I am speaking the truth in Christ; I am not lying. My conscience offers testimony to me in the Holy Spirit2because the sadness within me is great, and there is a continuous sorrow in my heart3For I was desiring that I myself might be anathemized from Christ, for the sake of my brothers, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh4These are the Israelites, to whom belongs adoption as sons, and the glory and the testament, and the giving and following of the law, and the promises5Theirs are the fathers, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all things, blessed God, for all eternity. Amen
Luke
1And it happened that, when Jesus entered the house of a certain leader of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, they were observing him2And behold, a certain man before him was afflicted with edema3And responding, Jesus spoke to the experts in the law and to the Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath?4But they kept silent. Yet truly, taking hold of him, he healed him and sent him away5And responding to them, he said, "Which of you will have a donkey or an ox fall into a pit, and will not promptly pull him out, on the day of the Sabbath?6And they were unable to respond to him about these things
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound expressions of love and justice, inviting us to reflect on how these virtues should guide our actions and decisions. The first reading from Romans reveals Paul’s deep sorrow for his Jewish brothers who have not yet accepted Christ. Despite their rich heritage as God’s chosen people, Paul laments their spiritual separation from Christ, even expressing a willingness to be cut off from Him for their sake. This passage highlights Paul’s immense love and solidarity with his people, as well as his trust in God’s plan of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scene. Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ strict interpretation of the law. While they question the legality of healing on the Sabbath, Jesus demonstrates that love and compassion must take precedence over rigid rules. His actions and words remind us that the law was made for humanity, not the other way around. By healing the man, Jesus embodies the heart of God, who desires the well-being of all people.
Both readings call us to reflect on how we balance rules and compassion in our lives. Like Paul, we are to love deeply and desire the good of others, even when it comes at great personal cost. Like Jesus, we are to prioritize love and care for those in need, even when it challenges conventions. As we navigate our daily lives, may we remember that true justice and holiness are rooted in love. Let us ask ourselves: Are our actions guided by compassion and mercy, or are they constrained by unnecessary rigidity? May we follow Christ’s example, allowing love to shape our decisions and interactions with others.