Daily Readings - Wed Oct 15 2025
Romans
1For this reason, O man, each one of you who judges is inexcusable. For by that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you do the same things that you judge2For we know that the judgment of God is in accord with truth against those who do such things3But, O man, when you judge those who do such things as you yourself also do, do you think that you will escape the judgment of God4Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and patience and forbearance? Do you not know that the kindness of God is calling you to repentance5But in accord with your hard and impenitent heart, you store up wrath for yourself, unto the day of wrath and of revelation by the just judgment of God6For he will render to each one according to his works7To those who, in accord with patient good works, seek glory and honor and incorruption, certainly, he will render eternal life8But to those who are contentious and who do not acquiesce to the truth, but instead trust in iniquity, he will render wrath and indignation9Tribulation and anguish are upon every soul of man that works evil: the Jew first, and also the Greek10But glory and honor and peace are for all who do what is good: the Jew first, and also the Greek11For there is no favoritism with God
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 encounter a powerful theme of judgment, hypocrisy, and the call to genuine faith. The first reading from Romans reminds us that we condemn ourselves when we judge others, as we often do the same things. Paul emphasizes that God's judgment is impartial, rewarding good deeds and showing wrath to the contentious. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus criticizing the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting justice and love, likening them to unmarked graves. He also condemns the lawyers for burdening others without lifting a finger.
These readings, though from different contexts, share a common thread: the danger of hypocrisy and the importance of integrity. Romans warns against self-righteous judgment, while Luke illustrates this with Jesus' confrontation of religious leaders. Both call us to look inward, ensuring our actions align with our faith, rather than merely following rituals.
In our daily lives, let us examine our own actions before judging others, and ensure our practices are rooted in love and justice. True faith requires compassion and integrity, not just outward appearances. Let us strive to live with hearts open to God's love, focusing on genuine righteousness rather than hypocrisy.