Daily Readings - Wed Oct 12 2022
Galatians
18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.19Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,20idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,21envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Luke
42"But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, and neglect justice and the love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seat in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.44Woe to you! For you are like unmarked graves, and people walk over them without knowing it."45One of the lawyers answered him, "Teacher, in saying these things you insult us also."46And he said, "Woe to you lawyers also! For you load people with burdens hard to bear, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with two powerful messages that challenge us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith. The first reading from Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of living a Spirit-led life. The second reading from Luke depicts Jesus criticizing the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, highlighting the disparity between their outward piety and inward neglect of justice and love.
The context of Galatians is Paul addressing a community grappling with the role of the law versus the Spirit. He urges them to embrace the freedom found in the Spirit, which cultivates virtues like charity and patience. In Luke, Jesus confronts the Pharisees during a time when their strict adherence to the law often masked inner hypocrisy. Both readings underscore the theme of genuine faith, where true transformation comes from within rather than external observances.
These readings relate by emphasizing the importance of sincerity in our spiritual lives. Galatians focuses on internal transformation through the Spirit, while Luke's Gospel exposes the emptiness of outward religiosity without inner change. Together, they remind us to examine our motivations and actions, ensuring our faith is not merely superficial but deeply rooted in love and humility.
In daily life, this means we should focus on cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—such as kindness and patience—rather than seeking recognition through outward displays of piety. We are called to live authentically, allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes. The moral lesson here is clear: true faith is about inner transformation and sincere living, not external appearances. Let us strive to bear the fruits of the Spirit, living lives of love, humility, and genuine devotion.