Daily Readings - Mon Oct 23 2023
Romans
20And then, in the Promise of God, he did not hesitate out of distrust, but instead he was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God21knowing most fully that whatever God has promised, he is also able to accomplish22And for this reason, it was reputed to him unto justice23Now this has been written, that it was reputed to him unto justice, not only for his sake24but also for our sake. For the same shall be reputed to us, if we believe in him who raised up our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead25who was handed over because of our offenses, and who rose again for our justification
Luke
13And someone from the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.14But he said to him, "Man, who has appointed me as judge or arbitrator over you?15So he said to them: "Be cautious and wary of all avarice. For a person’s life is not found in the abundance of the things that he possesses.16Then he spoke to them using a comparison, saying: "The fertile land of a certain wealthy man produced crops17And he thought within himself, saying: ‘What should I do? For I have nowhere to gather together my crops.18And he said: ‘This is what I will do. I will tear down my barns and build larger ones. And into these, I will gather all the things that have been grown for me, as well as my goods19And I will say to my soul: Soul, you have many goods, stored up for many years. Relax, eat, drink, and be cheerful.20But God said to him: ‘Foolish one, this very night they require your soul of you. To whom, then, will those things belong, which you have prepared?21So it is with him who stores up for himself, and is not wealthy with God.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on faith, trust in God, and the dangers of materialism. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul emphasizes Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of his circumstances, Abraham trusted in God’s power and fidelity, and this faith was credited to him as righteousness. Paul makes it clear that this righteousness is not just for Abraham but for all who believe in God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us that true faith is not about doubting or wavering but about trusting in God’s plan and His ability to fulfill His promises.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns us against the temptation of greed and the illusion of security through material possessions. The parable of the rich fool who builds larger barns to store his wealth is a stark reminder that life is not measured by what we own. The man in the parable thinks he has secured his future by accumulating more, but God calls him a fool because he has failed to recognize that true wealth lies in a relationship with Him. This parable challenges us to examine our priorities and to ask whether we are storing up treasures on earth or in heaven.
Both readings call us to live with a deeper trust in God and a detachment from worldly possessions. Abraham’s faith teaches us to rely on God’s promises rather than our own strength or resources. The parable of the rich fool warns us against allowing materialism to distract us from what truly matters—our relationship with God. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we place our security in what we own? Let us strive to live simply, generously, and with hearts fixed on eternal treasures.