Daily Readings - Fri Nov 03 2017
First Reading - Romans 9.1-5
Romans
1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,2That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
Gospel - Luke 14.1-6
Luke
1And it came to pass, as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him.2And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy.3And Jesus answering spake unto the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day?4And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go;5And answered them, saying, Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day?6And they could not answer him again to these things.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound expressions of compassion and concern for others, inviting us to reflect on the balance between law and love in our lives. The first reading from Romans reveals Paul’s deep sorrow over his Jewish brothers who have not yet come to faith in Christ. His anguish is so great that he would willingly suffer separation from Christ for their sake, a testament to his boundless love and solidarity with his people. This passage highlights Paul’s understanding of his mission to the Gentiles while remaining deeply connected to his Jewish roots.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scenario. Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ rigid interpretation of the law. By comparing the healing to rescuing an animal that has fallen into a pit, Jesus emphasizes that compassion should never be confined by legalistic interpretations. This encounter underscores Jesus’ mission to bring wholeness to all people, regardless of circumstances.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not merely about rules but about embodying God’s love. Paul’s heartfelt concern and Jesus’ compassionate action call us to prioritize love and care for others in our daily lives. As we navigate our own challenges, let us remember to approach each situation with empathy and kindness, allowing God’s love to guide our actions. In doing so, we fulfill the essence of our faith, which is to love as God loves.