Daily Readings - Fri Oct 20 2017
Romans
1What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.3For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."4Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.5And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,6just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:7"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;8blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
Luke
1In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.3Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.4"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.5But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, grace, and the nature of God’s justice. The first reading from Romans reminds us that Abraham, our father in faith, was justified not by his works but by his belief in God’s promise. This highlights the central Christian teaching that salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn through our actions. The Psalm and the Gospel then build on this theme, urging us to trust in God’s providence and to live with integrity, unafraid of earthly powers, because we are cherished by our heavenly Father.
The readings are deeply connected, as they all point to the transformative power of faith and the call to live authentically. In Romans, Paul contrasts faith and works, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from trusting in God’s mercy. In the Gospel, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, reminding us that our true selves will be revealed, and He encourages us to fear not the opinions of others but the judgment of God. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith—whether we do so with sincerity and trust in God’s love.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we rely on God’s grace, or do we try to earn His favor through superficial actions? Are we living with the kind of integrity that reflects our faith, or are we hiding behind masks of hypocrisy? Jesus assures us that we are worth more than many sparrows, and every detail of our lives is known and loved by God. Let us embrace this truth and live with courage, trusting that His justice and mercy will guide us. May we, like Abraham, be people of faith, and may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love.