Daily Readings - Thu Oct 17 2019

Romans

21But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it--22the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,24and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,25whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.26It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.27Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith.28For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.29Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,30since God is one. He will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

Luke

47Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.48So you are witnesses and you consent to the deeds of your fathers, for they killed them, and you build their tombs.49Therefore also the Wisdom of God said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and persecute,'50so that the blood of all the prophets, shed from the foundation of the world, may be charged against this generation,51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation.52Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter yourselves, and you hindered those who were entering."53As he went away from there, the scribes and the Pharisees began to press him hard and to provoke him to speak about many things,54lying in wait for him, to catch him in something he might say.

Sermon

In today's readings, we explore themes of divine justice, human hypocrisy, and the call to authentic faith. The first reading from Romans emphasizes that God's justice is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the law. Paul highlights that all people, regardless of background, are united in their need for God's grace and justified through faith. This passage underscores the universal offer of salvation and the unity it brings among believers. The Gospel from Luke presents a stark contrast as Jesus confronts the Pharisees and legal experts, accusing them of hypocrisy for honoring prophets with tombs while continuing the violence of their fathers. Jesus holds them accountable for rejecting God's messengers and warns them against blocking others from faith. This passage serves as a caution against religious complacency and the dangers of spiritual pride. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own response to God's message. We are called to move beyond superficial religiosity and embrace the humility of faith. Just as Paul reminds us of the unifying power of grace, Jesus warns against the barriers we might erect against God's truth. In our daily lives, let us seek to live with authenticity, openness, and a willingness to embrace God's justice and mercy. May we avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and instead be vessels of God's love and truth in the world.