Daily Readings - Fri Nov 03 2017
Romans
1I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit--2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race,4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.5Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Luke
1One Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched.2There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy.3Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?"4But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away.5Then he asked them, "If one of you has a son or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull him out?"6And they had nothing to say.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound expressions of compassion and concern for others, inviting us to reflect on the balance between law and love in our lives. The first reading from Romans reveals Paul’s deep sorrow over his Jewish brothers who have not yet come to faith in Christ. His anguish is so great that he would willingly suffer separation from Christ for their sake, a testament to his boundless love and solidarity with his people. This passage highlights Paul’s understanding of his mission to the Gentiles while remaining deeply connected to his Jewish roots.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scenario. Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ rigid interpretation of the law. By comparing the healing to rescuing an animal that has fallen into a pit, Jesus emphasizes that compassion should never be confined by legalistic interpretations. This encounter underscores Jesus’ mission to bring wholeness to all people, regardless of circumstances.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not merely about rules but about embodying God’s love. Paul’s heartfelt concern and Jesus’ compassionate action call us to prioritize love and care for others in our daily lives. As we navigate our own challenges, let us remember to approach each situation with empathy and kindness, allowing God’s love to guide our actions. In doing so, we fulfill the essence of our faith, which is to love as God loves.