Daily Readings - Wed Oct 15 2025
Romans
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.6God "will give to each person according to what he has done."7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;10but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.11For God does not show favoritism.
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 encounter a powerful theme of judgment, hypocrisy, and the call to genuine faith. The first reading from Romans reminds us that we condemn ourselves when we judge others, as we often do the same things. Paul emphasizes that God's judgment is impartial, rewarding good deeds and showing wrath to the contentious. The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus criticizing the Pharisees for their meticulous tithing while neglecting justice and love, likening them to unmarked graves. He also condemns the lawyers for burdening others without lifting a finger.
These readings, though from different contexts, share a common thread: the danger of hypocrisy and the importance of integrity. Romans warns against self-righteous judgment, while Luke illustrates this with Jesus' confrontation of religious leaders. Both call us to look inward, ensuring our actions align with our faith, rather than merely following rituals.
In our daily lives, let us examine our own actions before judging others, and ensure our practices are rooted in love and justice. True faith requires compassion and integrity, not just outward appearances. Let us strive to live with hearts open to God's love, focusing on genuine righteousness rather than hypocrisy.