Daily Readings - Fri Oct 17 2025
Romans
1What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?2For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.3For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."4Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.5And to the one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,6just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:7"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;8blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."
Luke
1In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.3Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.4"I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do.5But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God.7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful reflections on faith, trust, and the nature of God’s relationship with humanity. The first reading from Romans reminds us that Abraham, our father in faith, was justified not by his works but by his unwavering belief in God’s promise. Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes as a gift of grace, not something we earn through our efforts. Similarly, David’s experience of forgiveness and justification without works underscores the boundless mercy of God. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus’ warning against hypocrisy and His assurance of God’s providential care. He reminds us that nothing remains hidden forever and that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather reverence the God who has the power to cast into Hell. Jesus then comforts us with the truth that even the smallest creatures, like sparrows, are remembered by God, and we, being worth more than many sparrows, should trust in His loving care.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on trust and authenticity. Paul’s focus on Abraham’s faith and David’s experience of forgiveness highlights the transformative power of trusting in God’s grace. Jesus, in the Gospel, builds on this by calling us to live with integrity, free from hypocrisy, and to place our ultimate trust in God’s providence. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Do we rely on God’s grace, or do we try to earn His favor through our own efforts? Are we living with authenticity, or are we hiding behind masks of hypocrisy?
As we apply these readings to our lives, let us remember that true faith is not about earning God’s approval but about trusting in His love and mercy. Let us strive to live with transparency and honesty, knowing that nothing we do is hidden from God. And when we face challenges or uncertainties, let us recall Jesus’ comforting words: we are worth more than many sparrows, and God, who knows even the number of hairs on our heads, will never forget us. May we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s providence and live with the courage to be authentic disciples, fearing only the loss of God’s love and trusting in His eternal care.