Daily Readings - Fri Nov 03 2017
First Reading - Romans 9.1-5
Romans
1I am speaking the truth in Christ; I am not lying. My conscience offers testimony to me in the Holy Spirit2because the sadness within me is great, and there is a continuous sorrow in my heart3For I was desiring that I myself might be anathemized from Christ, for the sake of my brothers, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh4These are the Israelites, to whom belongs adoption as sons, and the glory and the testament, and the giving and following of the law, and the promises5Theirs are the fathers, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all things, blessed God, for all eternity. Amen
Gospel - Luke 14.1-6
Luke
1And it happened that, when Jesus entered the house of a certain leader of the Pharisees on the Sabbath to eat bread, they were observing him2And behold, a certain man before him was afflicted with edema3And responding, Jesus spoke to the experts in the law and to the Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath?4But they kept silent. Yet truly, taking hold of him, he healed him and sent him away5And responding to them, he said, "Which of you will have a donkey or an ox fall into a pit, and will not promptly pull him out, on the day of the Sabbath?6And they were unable to respond to him about these things
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound expressions of compassion and concern for others, inviting us to reflect on the balance between law and love in our lives. The first reading from Romans reveals Paul’s deep sorrow over his Jewish brothers who have not yet come to faith in Christ. His anguish is so great that he would willingly suffer separation from Christ for their sake, a testament to his boundless love and solidarity with his people. This passage highlights Paul’s understanding of his mission to the Gentiles while remaining deeply connected to his Jewish roots.
The Gospel from Luke presents a different yet complementary scenario. Jesus heals a man with edema on the Sabbath, challenging the Pharisees’ rigid interpretation of the law. By comparing the healing to rescuing an animal that has fallen into a pit, Jesus emphasizes that compassion should never be confined by legalistic interpretations. This encounter underscores Jesus’ mission to bring wholeness to all people, regardless of circumstances.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith is not merely about rules but about embodying God’s love. Paul’s heartfelt concern and Jesus’ compassionate action call us to prioritize love and care for others in our daily lives. As we navigate our own challenges, let us remember to approach each situation with empathy and kindness, allowing God’s love to guide our actions. In doing so, we fulfill the essence of our faith, which is to love as God loves.