Daily Readings - Tue Oct 15 2024
Galatians
1For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.2Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you.3I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law.4You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.5For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.
Luke
37While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee asked him to dine with him, so he went in and reclined at table.38The Pharisee was astonished to see that he did not first wash before dinner.39And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.40You fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside also?41But give as alms those things that are within, and behold, everything is clean for you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the themes of freedom and inner righteousness. The first reading from Galatians 5:1-6, Paul emphasizes the freedom we have in Christ, cautioning against returning to the constraints of the law. He argues that relying on works, such as circumcision, for justification diminishes the grace of Christ. True justification, Paul asserts, comes through faith and the Spirit, urging us to stand firm in this freedom.
The Gospel from Luke 11:37-41 complements this message as Jesus critiques the Pharisees for their focus on external purity. When a Pharisee questions Jesus' lack of washing before eating, Jesus points out their hypocrisy—cleaning the outside of the cup while neglecting the inner greed and wickedness. He advises giving from within, suggesting that inner purity is what truly matters.
Both readings highlight the importance of inner transformation over external practices. Paul warns against legalism, while Jesus condemns superficial piety. Together, they remind us that genuine faith is about the heart, not outward appearances. In our daily lives, this means focusing on love and integrity rather than external rituals. The moral lesson is clear: true faith transforms from within, leading us to live with authenticity and compassion.