Daily Readings - Fri Oct 17 2025
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.
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 two powerful reflections on faith, trust, and the nature of God’s relationship with humanity. The first reading from Romans reminds us that Abraham, our father in faith, was justified not by his works but by his unwavering belief in God’s promise. Paul emphasizes that true righteousness comes as a gift of grace, not something we earn through our efforts. Similarly, David’s experience of forgiveness and justification without works underscores the boundless mercy of God. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel shifts our focus to Jesus’ warning against hypocrisy and His assurance of God’s providential care. He reminds us that nothing remains hidden forever and that we should not fear those who can harm the body but rather reverence the God who has the power to cast into Hell. Jesus then comforts us with the truth that even the smallest creatures, like sparrows, are remembered by God, and we, being worth more than many sparrows, should trust in His loving care.
The readings are deeply connected in their emphasis on trust and authenticity. Paul’s focus on Abraham’s faith and David’s experience of forgiveness highlights the transformative power of trusting in God’s grace. Jesus, in the Gospel, builds on this by calling us to live with integrity, free from hypocrisy, and to place our ultimate trust in God’s providence. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Do we rely on God’s grace, or do we try to earn His favor through our own efforts? Are we living with authenticity, or are we hiding behind masks of hypocrisy?
As we apply these readings to our lives, let us remember that true faith is not about earning God’s approval but about trusting in His love and mercy. Let us strive to live with transparency and honesty, knowing that nothing we do is hidden from God. And when we face challenges or uncertainties, let us recall Jesus’ comforting words: we are worth more than many sparrows, and God, who knows even the number of hairs on our heads, will never forget us. May we cultivate a deeper trust in God’s providence and live with the courage to be authentic disciples, fearing only the loss of God’s love and trusting in His eternal care.