Daily Readings - Fri Oct 20 2017

First Reading - Romans 4.1-8

¹So then, what shall we say that Abraham had achieved, who is our father according to the flesh²For if Abraham was justified by works, he would have glory, but not with God³For what does Scripture say? "Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.⁴But for he who works, wages are not accounted according to grace, but according to debt⁵Yet truly, for he who does not work, but who believes in him who justifies the impious, his faith is reputed unto justice, according to the purpose of the grace of God⁶Similarly, David also declares the blessedness of a man, to whom God brings justice without works⁷"Blessed are they whose iniquities have been forgiven and whose sins have been covered⁸Blessed is the man to whom the Lord has not imputed sin.

Gospel - Luke 12.1-7

Luke

Chapter 12

¹Then, as great crowds were standing so close that they were stepping on one another, he began to say to his disciples: "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy²For there is nothing covered, which will not be revealed, nor anything hidden, which will not be known³For the things that you have spoken in darkness will be declared in the light. And what you have said in the ear in bedrooms will be proclaimed from the housetops⁴So I say to you, my friends: Do not be fearful of those who kill the body, and afterwards have no more that they can do⁵But I will reveal to you whom you should fear. Fear him who, after he will have killed, has the power to cast into Hell. So I say to you: Fear him⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? And yet not one of these is forgotten in the sight of God⁷But even the very hairs of your head have all been numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter profound truths about faith, grace, and the nature of God’s justice. The first reading from Romans reminds us that Abraham, our father in faith, was justified not by his works but by his belief in God’s promise. This highlights the central Christian teaching that salvation is a gift of grace, not something we earn through our actions. The Psalm and the Gospel then build on this theme, urging us to trust in God’s providence and to live with integrity, unafraid of earthly powers, because we are cherished by our heavenly Father. The readings are deeply connected, as they all point to the transformative power of faith and the call to live authentically. In Romans, Paul contrasts faith and works, emphasizing that true righteousness comes from trusting in God’s mercy. In the Gospel, Jesus warns against hypocrisy, reminding us that our true selves will be revealed, and He encourages us to fear not the opinions of others but the judgment of God. Together, these passages invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith—whether we do so with sincerity and trust in God’s love. As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we rely on God’s grace, or do we try to earn His favor through superficial actions? Are we living with the kind of integrity that reflects our faith, or are we hiding behind masks of hypocrisy? Jesus assures us that we are worth more than many sparrows, and every detail of our lives is known and loved by God. Let us embrace this truth and live with courage, trusting that His justice and mercy will guide us. May we, like Abraham, be people of faith, and may our lives bear witness to the transformative power of God’s love.