Daily Readings - Mon Oct 10 2022
Galatians
22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.23But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.24Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.25Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.26But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.27For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband."28Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.29But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.30But what does the Scripture say? "Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman."31So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
Luke
29When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, "This generation is an evil generation. It seeks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.30For as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.31The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.32The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of freedom, faith, and the call to live as children of the promise. In the first reading from Galatians, St. Paul uses the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to contrast the two covenants: one of slavery and the other of freedom. Hagar represents the old covenant, tied to the law and human effort, while Sarah symbolizes the new covenant, born of God’s promise and grace. Paul reminds us that we are not children of the slave woman but of the free woman, and thus we should stand firm in the freedom Christ has won for us. This freedom is not a license to do as we please, but a call to live in the Spirit, unencumbered by the yoke of sin or legalism.
In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to the crowds about the sign of Jonah, emphasizing that true faith does not rely on external signs but on the transformative power of God’s word. The people of Nineveh repented at Jonah’s preaching, and the queen of the South came seeking wisdom. Jesus points out that something greater than Jonah and Solomon is here—himself—and yet many still refuse to repent. This challenges us to examine our own hearts: do we seek signs and excuses, or do we trust in God’s presence and grace?
These readings call us to live as people of faith, trusting in God’s promises rather than relying on our own strength or seeking external validation. True freedom comes from surrendering to God’s will and living in the Spirit. Let us not be content with mediocrity or complacency. Instead, let us embrace the freedom Christ offers, repent of our sins, and live as children of the promise, bearing fruit in love, joy, and service to others.