Daily Readings - Tue Oct 17 2023

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

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 human condition and our relationship with God. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the transformative power of the Gospel, which reveals the justice of God and calls us to live by faith. Yet, it also warns us about the consequences of turning away from God, as humanity often exchanges the truth for lies and worships creation rather than the Creator. This passage invites us to examine our own hearts and consider whether we are living in accordance with the divine truth revealed to us. The Gospel from Luke complements this message by highlighting the tension between external appearances and internal purity. Jesus critiques the Pharisee for focusing on outward cleanliness while neglecting the inner corruption of greed and injustice. He calls us to recognize that true purity comes not from rituals but from a heart that seeks justice and compassion. This teaching challenges us to look beyond superficial piety and instead cultivate a life of integrity, where our actions reflect the love and mercy of God. Together, these readings remind us that faith is not just about what we profess but how we live. The Gospel has the power to transform us, but this transformation must begin within. Let us ask ourselves: Are we more concerned with appearances, or are we striving to live with hearts that are pure, just, and faithful? May we turn to God with humility, acknowledging our need for grace, and may our lives bear witness to the truth and love of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.