Daily Readings - Wed Oct 16 2019
Romans
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.6God "will give to each person according to what he has done."7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.11For God does not show favoritism.
Luke
42"Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.43"Woe to you Pharisees, because you love the most important seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces.44"Woe to you, because you are like unmarked graves, which men walk over without knowing it."45One of the experts in the law answered him, "Teacher, when you say these things, you insult us also."46Jesus replied, "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of living a life rooted in genuine faith and justice. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul warns against judging others while ignoring our own failings. He reminds us that God’s judgment is fair and based on truth, not favoritism. Those who act with patience, seek glory, and do good will receive eternal life, while those who are contentious and disobedient will face wrath. This passage calls us to self-reflection and repentance, urging us to align our actions with the kindness and mercy of God.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the Pharisees, criticizing their outward piety while neglecting the weightier matters of justice and love. He condemns their love for prestige and their failure to live authentically, comparing them to hidden graves—appearances of righteousness but inward corruption. This teaching challenges us to examine our own lives: do we prioritize the external trappings of faith while ignoring its deeper demands? Jesus’ words remind us that true faith is not about appearances but about living with integrity, compassion, and humility.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the importance of living in accordance with God’s truth rather than outward displays of piety. They call us to move beyond hypocrisy and superficiality, embracing a life of genuine faith and moral consistency. Let us ask ourselves: Are we like the Pharisees, focused on appearances, or are we striving to live with hearts open to God’s love and justice? May we seek to do good, not for recognition, but because it is who we are called to be as children of God.