Daily Readings - Fri Oct 20 2017
First Reading - Romans 4.1-8
Romans
1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Gospel - Luke 12.1-7
Luke
1In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.3Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.4And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.5But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.6Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?7But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, grace, and the nature of God’s justice. The first reading from Romans reminds us that Abraham, our father in faith, was justified not by his works but by his belief in God’s promise. This highlights the central Christian teaching that salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn through our actions. The Psalm and the Gospel then build on this theme, urging us to trust in God’s providence and to live with integrity, unafraid of earthly powers, because we are cherished by our heavenly Father.
The readings are deeply connected, as they all point to the transformative power of faith and the call to live authentically. In Romans, Paul contrasts faith and works, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from trusting in God’s mercy. In the Gospel, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, reminding us that our true selves will be revealed, and He encourages us to fear not the opinions of others but the judgment of God. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith—whether we do so with sincerity and trust in God’s love.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we rely on God’s grace, or do we try to earn His favor through superficial actions? Are we living with the kind of integrity that reflects our faith, or are we hiding behind masks of hypocrisy? Jesus assures us that we are worth more than many sparrows, and every detail of our lives is known and loved by God. Let us embrace this truth and live with courage, trusting that His justice and mercy will guide us. May we, like Abraham, be people of faith, and may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love.