Daily Readings for October 13, 2018

1st READING

It is difficult to make sense of the nature and role of the law if the argument is carried to its conclusion. However, we do get to consider the law in an interesting role as a teacher of the people and as a disciplinarian. These images are helpful in explaining aspects of the law. Let us seek a deeper understanding of the law’s role.

Galatians 3:22-29

22 Brothers and sisters: Scripture confined all things under the power of sin, that through faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. 23 Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed. 24 Consequently, the law was our disciplinarian for Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a disciplinarian. 26 For through faith you are all children of God in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendant, heirs according to the promise.

P S A L M 

Psalm 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

R: The Lord remembers his covenant forever.

2 Sing to him, sing his praise, proclaim all his wondrous deeds. 3 Glory in his holy name; rejoice, O hearts that seek the Lord! (R) 4 Look to the Lord in his strength; seek to serve him constantly. 5 Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered. (R) 6 You descendants of Abraham, his servants, sons of Jacob, his chosen ones! 7 He, the Lord, is our God; throughout the earth his judgments prevail. (R) 

GOSPEL 

Jesus is interested in what constitutes salvation. It is quite irrelevant as to the womb that carried Jesus. It is a blessing for that woman, but it does not necessarily assure her salvation. However, hearing the Word of God and keeping it does. Let us remain wary and not get distracted by incidental things. Let us focus on the things that matter.

Blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it. 

Luke 11:27-28

27 While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which you nursed.” 28 He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.”