Daily Readings for October 16, 2018

1st READING

In today’s reading, Paul teaches that “faith working through love” is the way to eternal life. Let us direct our energies to faithful loving. If we do this, we will discover that the Holy Spirit will direct us to bring the Gospel to those who need to hear it, and show us how to disciple them. This is the vision of Pope Francis – to build evangelizing communities of missionary disciples.

Galatians 5:1-6

1 Brothers and sisters: For freedom Christ set us free; so stand firm and do not submit again to the yoke of slavery. 2 It is I, Paul, who am telling you that if you have yourselves circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. 3 Once again I declare to every man who has himself circumcised that he is bound to observe the entire law. 4 You are separated from Christ, you who are trying to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For through the Spirit, by faith, we await the hope of righteousness. 6 For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

P S A L M 

Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48

R: Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.

41 Let your mercy come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise. (R) 43 Take not the word of truth from my mouth, for in your ordinances is my hope. (R) 44 And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. (R) 45 And I will walk at liberty, because I seek your precepts. (R) 47 And I will delight in your commands, which I love. (R) 48 And I will lift up my hands to your commands and meditate on your statutes. (R) 

GOSPEL 

The ritual washings in any faith are rooted in the need to be clean than in a real spiritual value. Ritual washing is symbolic of many things, but its origin is in observing proper hygiene to avoid sickness. We can continue such religious practices, but not make them a law that lacks relevance.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION 

The word of God is living and effective, able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

Luke 11:37-41

37 After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. He entered and reclined at table to eat. 38 The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. 39 The Lord said to him, “Oh you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. 40 You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 41 But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.