Daily Readings - Fri Oct 15 2021
Romans
1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter?2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about--but not before God.3What does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."4Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.5However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.6David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:7"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.8Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
Luke
1Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.2There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.3What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.4"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.5But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between faith, works, and the ultimate trust we place in God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul explores the concept of justification through faith, using Abraham as an example. Abraham, though a father of many nations, was not justified by his actions but by his unwavering trust in God’s promise. This emphasizes that our relationship with God is rooted in grace, not in what we do to earn His favor. Similarly, David’s psalm is cited to show that true blessedness comes from having our sins forgiven, not from any merit of our own.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns His disciples against the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, urging them to live with authenticity and transparency. He reminds them that nothing remains hidden forever; what is done in secret will eventually be revealed. Jesus then encourages His followers not to fear those who can harm the body but to fear the One who has the power to cast into Hell. This is not a call to fear in the sense of dread but a reminder of the reverence and trust we should have in God, who knows every detail of our lives, even the number of hairs on our heads.
These readings call us to live with humility and authenticity, trusting in God’s plan rather than relying on our own efforts or outward appearances. Let us reflect on whether we are living with genuine faith, trusting in God’s grace, and being truthful in our words and actions. May we remember that our worth comes not from what we do but from who we are in God’s eyes—beloved children, worth more than many sparrows.