Daily Readings - Tue Oct 14 2025
Romans
16I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.17For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness,19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.25They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.
Luke
37When Jesus had finished speaking, a Pharisee invited him to eat with him; so he went in and reclined at the table.38But the Pharisee, noticing that Jesus did not first wash before the meal, was surprised.39Then the Lord said to him, "Now then, you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness.40You foolish people! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also?41But give what is inside the dish to the poor, and everything will be clean for you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the profound interplay between our inner and outer lives as followers of Christ. The first reading from Romans reminds us that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation, yet it also warns of the consequences of turning away from Him. Paul highlights how humanity, despite knowing God, often chooses idolatry and immorality, leading to spiritual decay. This passage underscores the importance of living by faith and maintaining a right relationship with God.
In the Gospel, Jesus confronts the Pharisees, criticizing their focus on external purity while neglecting the inner self. He points out the hypocrisy of cleaning the outside of the cup while the inside remains filled with plunder and iniquity. Jesus’ message is clear: true purity comes from within. This teaching challenges us to examine our own hearts, ensuring that our actions and intentions align with God’s will.
Both readings converge on the theme of authenticity in faith. Paul warns against the dangers of outward religiosity without inner transformation, while Jesus emphasizes the necessity of cultivating inner purity. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that our faith must be lived out sincerely. May we strive to be people of integrity, where our inner lives reflect the love and grace of God, guiding our actions and decisions. Let us pray for the courage to look inward, to repent where necessary, and to live in a way that honors God, both in our hearts and in our outward lives.