28TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Psalter: Week 3 / (Green/White)
St. Paul of the Cross, priest
Ps 32:1b-2, 5, 11
I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
1st Reading: Rom 4:1-8
Let us consider Abraham, our father in the flesh. What has he found? If Abraham attained righteousness because of his deeds, he could be proud. But he cannot be this before God; because Scripture says: Abraham believed God, who took it into account, and held him to be a just man.
Now, when someone does a work, salary is not given as a favor, but as a debt that is paid. Here, on the contrary, someone who has no deeds to show, but believes in him, who makes sinners righteous before him: such faith is taken into account, and that person is held as righteous. David congratulates, in this way, those who become righteous, by the favor of God, and not by their actions: Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven and whose offenses are forgotten; blessed the one, whose sin God does not take into account!
Gospel: Lk 12:1-7
Meanwhile, such a numerous crowd had gathered that they crushed one another. Then Jesus spoke to his disciples in this way,
”Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered that will not be uncovered; or hidden, that will not be made known. Whatever you have said in darkness will be heard in daylight, and what you have whispered in hidden places, will be proclaimed from housetops.
I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who put to death the body and, after that, can do no more. But I will tell you whom to fear: Fear the one who, after killing you, is able to throw you into hell. This one you must fear. Don‘t you buy five sparrows for two pennies? Yet not one of them has been forgotten by God. Even the hairs of your head have been numbered. Don‘t be afraid! Are you less worthy in the eyes of God than many sparrows?
REFLECTION:
Jesus cautions his listeners of the leaven of the Pharisees, that is, hypocrisy. Just like a leaven (zymē) that penetrates within bread and, though hidden, acts powerfully; the hypocrites, though virtuous in the surface, deep within them are hidden vices.
Today, there are people who appear to be exemplary and honorable individuals but in reality filled with wickedness, dishonesty and immorality. Followers of Christ should not let themselves be contaminated by their corrupting influence. Jesus reminds us that hypocrisy won‘t work for ”nothing is covered that will not be uncovered; or hidden, that will not be made known.” (v.2)
In rendering service to God and to other people, our intention must be pure. In receiving the sacraments, especially the Holy Communion, we make sure that we are in the state of grace. Before facing the altar to bring offering, admit humbly our wrong deeds and be reconciled with our neighbors, with the Church and with God. Only those who walk in the path of truth and righteousness are worthy to be called true disciples of Christ.
Daily Reflection
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Biblical Texts are taken from Christian Community Bible, Catholic Pastoral Edition (57th Edition) The New English Translation for the ROMAN MISSAL
With permission from the EPISCOPAL COMMISION ON LITURGY of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
Readings and Reflections
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