Daily Readings - Mon Oct 23 2023
Romans
20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.22This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."23The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone,24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Luke
13Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."14Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?"15Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."16And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.19And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."'20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'21"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on faith, trust in God, and the dangers of materialism. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul emphasizes Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promises. Despite the challenges and uncertainties of his circumstances, Abraham trusted in God’s power and fidelity, and this faith was credited to him as righteousness. Paul makes it clear that this righteousness is not just for Abraham but for all who believe in God’s promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This passage reminds us that true faith is not about doubting or wavering but about trusting in God’s plan and His ability to fulfill His promises.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns us against the temptation of greed and the illusion of security through material possessions. The parable of the rich fool who builds larger barns to store his wealth is a stark reminder that life is not measured by what we own. The man in the parable thinks he has secured his future by accumulating more, but God calls him a fool because he has failed to recognize that true wealth lies in a relationship with Him. This parable challenges us to examine our priorities and to ask whether we are storing up treasures on earth or in heaven.
Both readings call us to live with a deeper trust in God and a detachment from worldly possessions. Abraham’s faith teaches us to rely on God’s promises rather than our own strength or resources. The parable of the rich fool warns us against allowing materialism to distract us from what truly matters—our relationship with God. As we go about our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s providence, or do we place our security in what we own? Let us strive to live simply, generously, and with hearts fixed on eternal treasures.