Daily Readings - Sun Oct 26 2025
2 Timothy
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.16At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.18And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Luke
9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:10Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of humility, justice, and trust in God’s providence. In the first reading from Sirach, we are reminded that God is a just judge who does not show favoritism. He hears the prayers of the oppressed, the orphan, and the widow, and he will not delay in bringing justice to those who are faithful. This passage emphasizes that true worship is not about outward appearances but about a humble and contrite heart. The second reading from 2 Timothy shares a similar tone of trust and perseverance. Paul, facing the end of his life, expresses confidence in God’s deliverance and the ultimate triumph of justice. He acknowledges the challenges and betrayals he has faced but finds strength in God’s faithfulness.
The Gospel from Luke provides a vivid contrast between pride and humility through the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, looks down on others, while the tax collector, aware of his sinfulness, humbly asks for mercy. Jesus makes it clear that it is the humble who are justified, not those who exalt themselves. Together, these readings remind us that our relationship with God is not about comparing ourselves to others or relying on our own efforts, but about surrendering to God’s justice and mercy with humility.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our attitudes and actions. Do we approach God with the humility of the tax collector, acknowledging our shortcomings and trusting in his mercy? Or do we, like the Pharisee, judge ourselves by the standards of others and forget our own need for grace? Let us learn to trust in God’s justice, knowing that he hears the cries of the oppressed and strengthens those who are persecuted. May we cultivate humility in our prayers and in our interactions with others, remembering that true righteousness is not about self-justification but about surrendering to God’s will.