Daily Readings - Fri Oct 29 2021
Romans
1I am speaking the truth in Christ--I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit--2that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.5To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
Luke
1One Sabbath, when he went to dine at the house of a ruler of the Pharisees, they were watching him carefully.2And behold, there was a man before him who had dropsy.3And Jesus responded to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath, or not?"4But they remained silent. Then he took him and healed him and sent him away.5And he said to them, "Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?"6And they could not reply to these things.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound expressions of love and justice, inviting us to reflect on how these virtues should guide our actions and decisions. The first reading from Romans reveals Paul’s deep sorrow for his Jewish brothers who have not yet accepted Christ. Despite their rich heritage as God’s chosen people, Paul laments their spiritual separation from Christ, even expressing a willingness to be cut off from Him for their sake. This passage highlights Paul’s immense love and solidarity with his people, as well as his trust in God’s plan of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scene. Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ strict interpretation of the law. While they question the legality of healing on the Sabbath, Jesus demonstrates that love and compassion must take precedence over rigid rules. His actions and words remind us that the law was made for humanity, not the other way around. By healing the man, Jesus embodies the heart of God, who desires the well-being of all people.
Both readings call us to reflect on how we balance rules and compassion in our lives. Like Paul, we are to love deeply and desire the good of others, even when it comes at great personal cost. Like Jesus, we are to prioritize love and care for those in need, even when it challenges conventions. As we navigate our daily lives, may we remember that true justice and holiness are rooted in love. Let us ask ourselves: Are our actions guided by compassion and mercy, or are they constrained by unnecessary rigidity? May we follow Christ’s example, allowing love to shape our decisions and interactions with others.