Daily Readings - Thu Oct 14 2021
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 encounter profound reflections on justice, faith, and hypocrisy. The first reading from Romans emphasizes God’s justice, which is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul explains that this justice is available to all—Jews and Gentiles alike—because all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we are justified freely by God’s grace, and no one can boast of their own works. This passage reminds us that salvation is not earned but is a gift from God, and it calls us to humility and trust in His mercy.
The Gospel from Luke presents a stark contrast to this message of grace. Jesus denounces the Pharisees and scholars of the law for their hypocrisy. They honor the prophets with tombs but reject the message of the prophets, just as their ancestors did. Jesus points out that they have failed to live according to the teachings they claim to uphold. Even worse, they prevent others from entering into the kingdom of God by withholding the “key of knowledge.” This critique is not just about the Pharisees of Jesus’ time; it challenges us today to examine whether our actions align with our faith and whether we are truly living as disciples of Christ.
These readings remind us that faith without works is dead, but works without faith are empty. True justice and righteousness come from a heart that is humble, repentant, and open to God’s grace. As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: Are we living authentically as followers of Christ? Do our words and actions reflect the love and mercy of God? Let us strive to be people of integrity, who not only hear the Word of God but also live it out in our daily lives. In doing so, we can truly be instruments of God’s justice and love in the world.