Daily Readings - Fri Oct 29 2021
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 love and justice, inviting us to reflect on how these virtues should guide our actions and decisions. The first reading from Romans reveals Paul’s deep sorrow for his Jewish brothers who have not yet accepted Christ. Despite their rich heritage as God’s chosen people, Paul laments their spiritual separation from Christ, even expressing a willingness to be cut off from Him for their sake. This passage highlights Paul’s immense love and solidarity with his people, as well as his trust in God’s plan of salvation.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scene. Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ strict interpretation of the law. While they question the legality of healing on the Sabbath, Jesus demonstrates that love and compassion must take precedence over rigid rules. His actions and words remind us that the law was made for humanity, not the other way around. By healing the man, Jesus embodies the heart of God, who desires the well-being of all people.
Both readings call us to reflect on how we balance rules and compassion in our lives. Like Paul, we are to love deeply and desire the good of others, even when it comes at great personal cost. Like Jesus, we are to prioritize love and care for those in need, even when it challenges conventions. As we navigate our daily lives, may we remember that true justice and holiness are rooted in love. Let us ask ourselves: Are our actions guided by compassion and mercy, or are they constrained by unnecessary rigidity? May we follow Christ’s example, allowing love to shape our decisions and interactions with others.