Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Tuesday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 468
First Reading — Galatians 5:1-6
Paul reminds believers that Jesus Christ has set them free.
Christ has set us free. Stand firm in that freedom and do not return to slavery.
Those seeking justification through the Law are separating themselves from Christ’s grace.
Through the Holy Spirit and by faith, we await the hope of righteousness.
In Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision determines our standing before God.
What matters is faith working through love.
Paul teaches that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through the outward requirements of the Law of Moses. Genuine faith expresses itself through love.
Responsorial Psalm — Psalm 119:41, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48
Let your mercy come to me, O Lord.
Lord, bring me salvation according to Your promise.
May Your truth remain upon my lips, for my hope rests in Your Word.
I will continually follow Your instructions.
I will walk in freedom because I seek Your ways.
Your commandments are my delight because I love them.
I will meditate upon Your Word and follow Your teachings.
The psalm celebrates God’s mercy, His promises, and the freedom found in following His truth.
Alleluia — Hebrews 4:12
The Word of God is living and powerful.
It reveals the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Gospel — Luke 11:37-41
A Pharisee invites Jesus to eat at his home.
When Jesus sits down without performing the customary ritual washing, the Pharisee is surprised.
Jesus responds:
You Pharisees carefully clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are filled with greed and wickedness.
Did not the One who made the outside also make the inside?
Give generously to those in need, and everything will be clean for you.
Jesus teaches that outward religious observances cannot replace inward righteousness.
God is concerned not merely with outward appearances but with the condition of the heart.
Summary
Today’s readings emphasize the difference between outward religious practices and genuine faith.
Paul teaches that freedom and righteousness come through faith in Christ, expressed through love.
The psalm celebrates the freedom found in God’s Word.
Jesus reminds the Pharisees that outward cleanliness means little when the heart remains filled with wrongdoing.
God desires faith that transforms the heart and produces love.
Kingdom Connection
Paul was writing to first-century believers during the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant.
He warned them not to return to dependence on the Law of Moses after receiving freedom through Christ.
Jesus likewise challenged the religious leaders of His generation for emphasizing outward observances while neglecting inward righteousness.
Through Christ, the New Covenant brought freedom from dependence on the Law for justification.
Both Jews and Gentiles could now share in God’s promises through faith in Christ—a faith expressed through love.
Kingdom of God Outreach
▶️ Today's USCCB Reflection Video — October 13, 2026
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