Daily Readings - Wed Oct 16 2024
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 presented with a profound contrast between living a life guided by the Holy Spirit and one dominated by worldly desires and hypocrisy. The first reading from Galatians highlights the struggle between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit. Paul reminds us that when we allow the Spirit to lead us, we are no longer bound by the law, but instead, we cultivate virtues such as charity, joy, and peace. These fruits are not just abstract concepts but tangible expressions of a life transformed by grace.
The Gospel from Luke offers a complementary message as Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their outward piety, which masks their inner neglect of justice and love. The Pharisees meticulously observe rituals like tithing, yet they fail to embody the essence of God’s commandments—love and compassion. Jesus’ words serve as a warning against hypocrisy, urging us to examine our own hearts and actions. Like the Pharisees, we often focus on what others see, forgetting that true faith is about living authentically from the inside out.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Are we more concerned with appearances, or are we genuinely striving to live according to the Spirit? Let us ask ourselves: Do our actions reflect love, patience, and kindness, or are we caught up in self-interest and superficiality? The moral lesson is clear: True faith is not about external rituals or seeking praise, but about cultivating a heart that overflows with the fruit of the Spirit. Let us pray for the grace to live authentically, guided by the Spirit, and to embody the love and humility that Jesus calls us to.