Daily Readings - Wed Oct 12 2022
Galatians
18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
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
In today's readings, we are presented with two powerful messages that challenge us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith. The first reading from Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit, emphasizing the transformative power of living a Spirit-led life. The second reading from Luke depicts Jesus criticizing the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, highlighting the disparity between their outward piety and inward neglect of justice and love.
The context of Galatians is Paul addressing a community grappling with the role of the law versus the Spirit. He urges them to embrace the freedom found in the Spirit, which cultivates virtues like charity and patience. In Luke, Jesus confronts the Pharisees during a time when their strict adherence to the law often masked inner hypocrisy. Both readings underscore the theme of genuine faith, where true transformation comes from within rather than external observances.
These readings relate by emphasizing the importance of sincerity in our spiritual lives. Galatians focuses on internal transformation through the Spirit, while Luke's Gospel exposes the emptiness of outward religiosity without inner change. Together, they remind us to examine our motivations and actions, ensuring our faith is not merely superficial but deeply rooted in love and humility.
In daily life, this means we should focus on cultivating the fruits of the Spirit—such as kindness and patience—rather than seeking recognition through outward displays of piety. We are called to live authentically, allowing the Spirit to guide our actions and attitudes. The moral lesson here is clear: true faith is about inner transformation and sincere living, not external appearances. Let us strive to bear the fruits of the Spirit, living lives of love, humility, and genuine devotion.