Daily Readings - Mon Oct 23 2023
Romans
20No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,21fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.22That is why his faith was "counted to him as righteousness."23But the words "it was counted to him" were not written for his sake alone,24but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,25who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
Luke
13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."14But he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?"15And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."16And he told them a parable, saying, "The land of a rich man produced plentifully,17and he thought to himself, 'What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?'18And he said, 'I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.19And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.'20But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'21So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on faith, trust in God, and the dangers of materialism. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul emphasizes Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of his circumstances, Abraham trusted in God’s power and fidelity, and this faith was credited to him as righteousness. Paul makes it clear that this righteousness is not just for Abraham but for all who believe in God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us that true faith is not about doubting or wavering but about trusting in God’s plan and His ability to fulfill His promises.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns us against the temptation of greed and the illusion of security through material possessions. The parable of the rich fool who builds larger barns to store his wealth is a stark reminder that life is not measured by what we own. The man in the parable thinks he has secured his future by accumulating more, but God calls him a fool because he has failed to recognize that true wealth lies in a relationship with Him. This parable challenges us to examine our priorities and to ask whether we are storing up treasures on earth or in heaven.
Both readings call us to live with a deeper trust in God and a detachment from worldly possessions. Abraham’s faith teaches us to rely on God’s promises rather than our own strength or resources. The parable of the rich fool warns us against allowing materialism to distract us from what truly matters—our relationship with God. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we place our security in what we own? Let us strive to live simply, generously, and with hearts fixed on eternal treasures.