Faith Today

October 14, 2026

True Justice and Love

“But alas for you Pharisees, because you pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and neglect justice and the love of God!”
Luke 11:42

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Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, today's news of Alex Saab pleading guilty in a US corruption case echoes the Gospel's warning: true justice cannot be replaced by outward displays or hollow rituals. While some may hide behind legalities or appearances, God calls us to seek genuine fairness and compassion—especially in public life. As we witness such events, we're challenged to reflect on our own commitment to justice and love.

Coping

When faced with challenging news or personal struggles, today's readings remind us that real peace comes from living by the Spirit—embracing love, joy, and patience. Instead of letting bitterness or cynicism take root, we are called to trust that God sees beyond the surface and invites us into deeper justice and mercy.

Family

For families, the call to cultivate goodness, gentleness, and self-control is clear. These virtues grow strong when practiced together, especially in times of stress or disagreement. By choosing kindness and nurturing the fruits of the Spirit, we build households that reflect God's love.

Community

Within our communities, these readings urge us to reject superficial righteousness and work for genuine justice and compassion. We are encouraged not to burden others with empty expectations, but to walk beside them, fostering unity, peace, and understanding for the wellbeing of all.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Galatians 5:18-25

[18] But when you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. [19] When self-indulgence is at work the results are obvious: sexual vice, impurity, and sensuality, [20] the worship of false gods and sorcery; antagonisms and rivalry, jealousy, bad temper and quarrels, disagreements, [21] factions and malice, drunkenness, orgies and all such things. And about these, I tell you now as I have told you in the past, that people who behave in these ways will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] On the other hand the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control; no law can touch such things as these. [24] All who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified self with all its passions and its desires. [25] Since we are living by the Spirit, let our behaviour be guided by the Spirit

Psalm · Psalms 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6

[1] How blessed is anyone who rejects the advice of the wicked and does not take a stand in the path that sinners tread, nor a seat in company with cynics, [2] but who delights in the law of Yahweh and murmurs his law day and night. [3] Such a one is like a tree planted near streams; it bears fruit in season and its leaves never wither, and every project succeeds. [4] How different the wicked, how different! Just like chaff blown around by the wind [6] For Yahweh watches over the path of the upright, but the path of the wicked is doomed.

Gospel · Luke 11:42-46

[42] But alas for you Pharisees, because you pay your tithe of mint and rue and all sorts of garden herbs and neglect justice and the love of God! These you should have practised, without neglecting the others. [43] Alas for you Pharisees, because you like to take the seats of honour in the synagogues and to be greeted respectfully in the market squares! [44] Alas for you, because you are like the unmarked tombs that people walk on without knowing it!' [45] A lawyer then spoke up. 'Master,' he said, 'when you speak like this you insult us too.' [46] But he said, 'Alas for you lawyers as well, because you load on people burdens that are unendurable, burdens that you yourselves do not touch with your fingertips.