Daily Readings - Fri Oct 31 2025
Romans
1I am speaking the truth in Christ; I am not lying. My conscience offers testimony to me in the Holy Spirit2because the sadness within me is great, and there is a continuous sorrow in my heart3For I was desiring that I myself might be anathemized from Christ, for the sake of my brothers, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh4These are the Israelites, to whom belongs adoption as sons, and the glory and the testament, and the giving and following of the law, and the promises5Theirs are the fathers, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all things, blessed God, for all eternity. Amen
Luke
1And it happened that, when Jesus entered the house of a certain leader of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, they were observing him2And behold, a certain man before him was afflicted with edema3And responding, Jesus spoke to the experts in the law and to the Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath?4But they kept silent. Yet truly, taking hold of him, he healed him and sent him away5And responding to them, he said, "Which of you will have a donkey or an ox fall into a pit, and will not promptly pull him out, on the day of the Sabbath?6And they were unable to respond to him about these things
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful expressions of God’s love and mercy. The first reading from Romans reveals St. Paul’s deep anguish over the unbelief of his Jewish brothers. He expresses such a profound love for his people that he is willing to endure separation from Christ for their sake. This passage highlights the depth of divine love and the mystery of God’s plan for salvation. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus healing a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ strict interpretation of the law. Jesus’ action underscores the importance of compassion and mercy, even in the face of rigid traditions.
The readings are connected by the theme of God’s love breaking through human limitations. In Romans, Paul’s sorrow reflects the tension between God’s universal plan and the particular history of Israel. In Luke, Jesus demonstrates that love and mercy must take precedence over legalistic interpretations of the law. Both readings remind us that God’s ways are not bound by human rules or expectations. Jesus’ healing on the Sabbath shows that true love cannot be confined to specific times or places—it must be lived out in concrete actions of compassion.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: How do we respond to God’s love in our own lives? Are we like the Pharisees, focused on rules and appearances, or are we willing to follow Jesus’ example of selfless love and mercy? Let us examine our hearts and actions, ensuring that we prioritize compassion and kindness in our daily interactions. May we, like St. Paul, feel the depth of God’s love and, like Jesus, live it out in ways that bring healing and hope to those around us.