Daily Readings - Tue Oct 14 2025
Romans
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
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 are invited to reflect on the profound interplay between our inner and outer lives as followers of Christ. The first reading from Romans reminds us that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation, yet it also warns of the consequences of turning away from Him. Paul highlights how humanity, despite knowing God, often chooses idolatry and immorality, leading to spiritual decay. This passage underscores the importance of living by faith and maintaining a right relationship with God.
In the Gospel, Jesus confronts the Pharisees, criticizing their focus on external purity while neglecting the inner self. He points out the hypocrisy of cleaning the outside of the cup while the inside remains filled with plunder and iniquity. Jesus’ message is clear: true purity comes from within. This teaching challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our actions and intentions align with God’s will.
Both readings converge on the theme of authenticity in faith. Paul warns against the dangers of outward religiosity without inner transformation, while Jesus emphasizes the necessity of cultivating inner purity. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that our faith must be lived out sincerely. May we strive to be people of integrity, where our inner lives reflect the love and grace of God, guiding our actions and decisions. Let us pray for the courage to look inward, to repent where necessary, and to live in a way that honors God, both in our hearts and in our outward lives.