Daily Readings for October 20, 2017

1ST READING

Paul is adamant that it is Abraham’s faith — and not his works — that justify him. This point is critical for his argument because he wants to link the justification of the Christians to their faith, and then demonstrate that this is how God has always worked with His people. The idea is not a new one. It also places the power of salvation squarely in God’s hands, not ours. Yes, we have to accept the gift of salvation but we cannot create it or earn it.

Romans 4:1-8

1 Brothers and sisters: What can we say that Abraham found, our ancestor according to the flesh? 2 Indeed, if Abraham was justified on the basis of his works, he has reason to boast; but this was not so in the sight of God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. 4 A worker’s wage is credited not as a gift, but as something due. 5 But when one does not work, yet believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. 6 So also David declares the blessedness of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not record.

P S A L M

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11

R: I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin. (R) 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart. (R)

GOSPEL

God sees everything that we do. We may be able to hide our sinfulness from one another, but God sees and knows everything. As we reflect on this, let us pray for the humility to be honest with God and to one another in order to “live in the light.” It is easier for the devil to tempt us when we  confront our struggles alone. It is much easier to combat him when we have the help of those who are journeying with us to eternal life.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

May your kindness, O Lord, be upon us; who have put our hope in you.

Luke 12:1-7

1 At that time: So many people were crowding together that they were trampling one another underfoot. Jesus began to speak, first to his disciples, “Beware of the leaven — that is, the hypocrisy — of the Pharisees. 2 “There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, nor secret that will not be known. 3 Therefore, whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on the housetops. 4 I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but after that can do no more. 5 I shall show you whom to fear. Be afraid of the one who after killing has the power to cast into Gehenna; yes, I tell you, be afraid of that one. 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God. 7 Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”