Faith Today

October 13, 2026

True Freedom Begins Within

“"Give alms from what you have and, look, everything will be clean for you."”
Luke 11:41

Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, as the world witnesses urgent pleas for support and defense in Ukraine, we are reminded that true aid comes not just from outward shows of help, but from sincere action motivated by love and justice—echoing today’s call to let our generosity be genuine and our hope steadfast.

Coping

When faced with overwhelming concerns or distressing news, today’s readings remind us that our truest freedom is not found in external circumstances, but in letting faith work through love and keeping our hearts clean before God.

Family

As we care for our families, we are called not to focus only on appearances or outward traditions, but to nurture genuine love, justice, and kindness within our homes—guiding our loved ones with faith that acts through love.

Community

Within our communities, these scriptures urge us to prioritize compassion and mercy over rigid rules, recognizing that generosity and sincere justice are what truly build up the bonds between us.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Galatians 5:1-6

[1] Christ set us free, so that we should remain free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be fastened again to the yoke of slavery. [2] I, Paul, give you my word that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you at all. [3] I give my assurance once again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law; [4] once you seek to be reckoned as upright through the Law, then you have separated yourself from Christ, you have fallen away from grace. [5] We are led by the Spirit to wait in the confident hope of saving justice through faith, [6] since in Christ Jesus it is not being circumcised or being uncircumcised that can effect anything -- only faith working through love.

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

[41] Let your faithful love come to me, Yahweh, true to your promise, save me! [43] Do not deprive me of that faithful word, since my hope lies in your judgements. [44] I shall keep your Law without fail for ever and ever. [45] I shall live in all freedom because I have sought your precepts. [47] Your commandments fill me with delight, I love them dearly. [48] I stretch out my hands to your commandments that I love, and I ponder your judgements.

Gospel · Luke 11:37-41

[37] He had just finished speaking when a Pharisee invited him to dine at his house. He went in and sat down at table. [38] The Pharisee saw this and was surprised that he had not first washed before the meal. [39] But the Lord said to him, 'You Pharisees! You clean the outside of cup and plate, while inside yourselves you are filled with extortion and wickedness. [40] Fools! Did not he who made the outside make the inside too? [41] Instead, give alms from what you have and, look, everything will be clean for you.

Your reflection

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