Daily Readings - Wed Oct 12 2022
Galatians
18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Luke
42But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.43Woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.44Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.45Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.46And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with two powerful messages that challenge us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith. The first reading from Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of living a Spirit-led life. The second reading from Luke depicts Jesus criticizing the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, highlighting the disparity between their outward piety and inward neglect of justice and love.
The context of Galatians is Paul addressing a community grappling with the role of the law versus the Spirit. He urges them to embrace the freedom found in the Spirit, which cultivates virtues like charity and patience. In Luke, Jesus confronts the Pharisees during a time when their strict adherence to the law often masked inner hypocrisy. Both readings underscore the theme of genuine faith, where true transformation comes from within rather than external observances.
These readings relate by emphasizing the importance of sincerity in our spiritual lives. Galatians focuses on internal transformation through the Spirit, while Luke's Gospel exposes the emptiness of outward religiosity without inner change. Together, they remind us to examine our motivations and actions, ensuring our faith is not merely superficial but deeply rooted in love and humility.
In daily life, this means we should focus on cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—such as kindness and patience—rather than seeking recognition through outward displays of piety. We are called to live authentically, allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes. The moral lesson here is clear: true faith is about inner transformation and sincere living, not external appearances. Let us strive to bear the fruits of the Spirit, living lives of love, humility, and genuine devotion.