Daily Readings - Thu Oct 17 2019
Romans
21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished--26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.28For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.29Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
Luke
47"Woe to you, because you build tombs for the prophets, and it was your forefathers who killed them.48So you testify that you approve of what your forefathers did; they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.49Because of this, God in his wisdom said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.'50Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world,51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.52"Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge. You yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering."53When Jesus left there, the Pharisees and the teachers of the law began to oppose him fiercely and to besiege him with questions,54waiting to catch him in something he might say.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of divine justice, human hypocrisy, and the call to authentic faith. The first reading from Romans emphasizes that God's justice is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the law. Paul highlights that all people, regardless of background, are united in their need for God's grace and justified through faith. This passage underscores the universal offer of salvation and the unity it brings among believers.
The Gospel from Luke presents a stark contrast as Jesus confronts the Pharisees and legal experts, accusing them of hypocrisy for honoring prophets with tombs while continuing the violence of their fathers. Jesus holds them accountable for rejecting God's messengers and warns them against blocking others from faith. This passage serves as a caution against religious complacency and the dangers of spiritual pride.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own response to God's message. We are called to move beyond superficial religiosity and embrace the humility of faith. Just as Paul reminds us of the unifying power of grace, Jesus warns against the barriers we might erect against God's truth. In our daily lives, let us seek to live with authenticity, openness, and a willingness to embrace God's justice and mercy. May we avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy and instead be vessels of God's love and truth in the world.