Faith Today

October 30, 2026

Love Takes Priority

“Is it against the law to cure someone on the Sabbath, or not?”
Luke 14:3

Today's Reflection

Dear Brothers and Sisters, in the face of today's headline about the urgent need to help Ukraine defend its population and infrastructure, we are reminded that true leadership and community means responding compassionately to those in need—even when it is costly or inconvenient. Just as Jesus chose mercy over strict observance, we are called to prioritize lives and wellbeing above all, advocating for help and justice wherever it is needed.

Coping

When facing difficult news or overwhelming situations, today's readings remind us that God's mercy and kindness are steadfast. We can cope by focusing on acts of compassion and trusting that the good work begun in us will be completed, even through uncertain times.

Family

Caring for family requires discernment, love, and practical action. Like Jesus helping the man on the Sabbath, we are called to support and nurture those closest to us, especially when their needs call for immediate response, putting love above rules or convenience.

Community

Community is strengthened through partnership, shared grace, and collaborative action for justice. Paul encourages us to pray joyfully for one another and grow in love and understanding, so together we become innocent, upright, and a source of blessing for all.

Today's Readings

First Reading · Philippians 1:1-11

[1] Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with their presiding elders and the deacons. [2] Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [3] I thank my God whenever I think of you, [4] and every time I pray for you all, I always pray with joy [5] for your partnership in the gospel from the very first day up to the present. [6] I am quite confident that the One who began a good work in you will go on completing it until the Day of Jesus Christ comes. [7] It is only right that I should feel like this towards you all, because you have a place in my heart, since you have all shared together in the grace that has been mine, both my chains and my work defending and establishing the gospel. [8] For God will testify for me how much I long for you all with the warm longing of Christ Jesus; [9] it is my prayer that your love for one another may grow more and more with the knowledge and complete understanding [10] that will help you to come to true discernment, so that you will be innocent and free of any trace of guilt when the Day of Christ comes, [11] entirely filled with the fruits of uprightness through Jesus Christ, for the glory and praise of God.

Psalm · Psalms 111:1-2, 3-4, 5-6

[1] Alleluia! I give thanks to Yahweh with all my heart, in the meeting-place of honest people, in the assembly. [2] Great are the deeds of Yahweh, to be pondered by all who delight in them. [3] Full of splendour and majesty his work, his saving justice stands firm for ever. [4] He gives us a memorial of his great deeds; Yahweh is mercy and tenderness. [5] He gives food to those who fear him, he keeps his covenant ever in mind. [6] His works show his people his power in giving them the birthright of the nations.

Gospel · Luke 14:1-6

[1] Now it happened that on a Sabbath day he had gone to share a meal in the house of one of the leading Pharisees; and they watched him closely. [2] Now there in front of him was a man with dropsy, [3] and Jesus addressed the lawyers and Pharisees with the words, 'Is it against the law to cure someone on the Sabbath, or not?' [4] But they remained silent, so he took the man and cured him and sent him away. [5] Then he said to them, 'Which of you here, if his son falls into a well, or his ox, will not pull him out on a Sabbath day without any hesitation?' [6] And to this they could find no answer.