Daily Readings - Thu Oct 17 2019
Romans
21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:30Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Luke
47Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.48Truly ye bear witness that ye allow the deeds of your fathers: for they indeed killed them, and ye build their sepulchres.49Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:50That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;51From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.52Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.53And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him vehemently, and to provoke him to speak of many things:54Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of divine justice, human hypocrisy, and the call to authentic faith. The first reading from Romans emphasizes that God's justice is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the law. Paul highlights that all people, regardless of background, are united in their need for God's grace and justified through faith. This passage underscores the universal offer of salvation and the unity it brings among believers.
The Gospel from Luke presents a stark contrast as Jesus confronts the Pharisees and legal experts, accusing them of hypocrisy for honoring prophets with tombs while continuing the violence of their fathers. Jesus holds them accountable for rejecting God's messengers and warns them against blocking others from faith. This passage serves as a caution against religious complacency and the dangers of spiritual pride.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own response to God's message. We are called to move beyond superficial religiosity and embrace the humility of faith. Just as Paul reminds us of the unifying power of grace, Jesus warns against the barriers we might erect against God's truth. In our daily lives, let us seek to live with authenticity, openness, and a willingness to embrace God's justice and mercy. May we avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and instead be vessels of God's love and truth in the world.