First reading Romans 2:1-11
Do you think you will escape God’s judgement?
No matter who you are, if you pass judgement you have no excuse. In judging others you condemn yourself, since you behave no differently from those you judge. We know that God condemns that sort of behaviour impartially: and when you judge those who behave like this while you are doing exactly the same, do you think you will escape God’s judgement? Or are you abusing his abundant goodness, patience and toleration, not realising that this goodness of God is meant to lead you to repentance? Your stubborn refusal to repent is only adding to the anger God will have towards you on that day of anger when his just judgements will be made known. He will repay each one as his works deserve. For those who sought renown and honour and immortality by always doing good there will be eternal life; for the unsubmissive who refused to take truth for their guide and took depravity instead, there will be anger and fury. Pain and suffering will come to every human being who employs himself in evil – Jews first, but Greeks as well; renown, honour and peace will come to everyone who does good – Jews first, but Greeks as well. God has no favourites.
Responsorial Psalm 61(62):2-3,6-7,9
Lord, you repay each man according to his deeds.
In God alone is my soul at rest;
my help comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.
In God alone be at rest, my soul;
for my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock, my stronghold,
my fortress: I stand firm.
Take refuge in God, all you people.
Trust him at all times.
Pour out your hearts before him
for God is our refuge.
Gospel Luke 11:42-46
You overlook justice and the love of God
The Lord said to the Pharisees: ‘Alas for you Pharisees! You who pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and overlook justice and the love of God! These you should have practised, without leaving the others undone. Alas for you Pharisees who like taking the seats of honour in the synagogues and being greeted obsequiously in the market squares! Alas for you, because you are like the unmarked tombs that men walk on without knowing it!
A lawyer then spoke up. ‘Master,’ he said ‘when you speak like this you insult us too.’
‘Alas for you lawyers also,’ he replied ‘because you load on men burdens that are unendurable, burdens that you yourselves do not move a finger to lift.’
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Not to lose sight of what matters
The Pharisees understood the core principles of their faith—loving God and loving their neighbours—but these ideas did not affect their daily lives. They focused on strict adherence to minor laws, often displaying pride and disdain for others while imposing heavy burdens on the people. Jesus used strong language to emphasise the importance of loving God and one’s neighbour.
Perhaps Jesus’ message to the Pharisees still holds a certain relevance for us. It is all too easy to become preoccupied with the rules and regulations of the Church, losing sight of what truly matters in our Christian faith, which is love. Jesus invites us not just to talk about love, forgiveness, and mercy, but to actively practice them so that our words and actions are coherent. In this time of prayer, let us return to a deep experience of God’s unconditional love for us, allowing Him to redirect our focus toward prioritising love, which truly defines our Christian faith.
Reflective question:
Am I inconsistent between my words and actions, missing the essence of my faith?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year C” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD.
