Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven!

October 17, 2025 Friday of the Twenty-eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Daily Readings: Romans 4:1-8; Luke 12:1-7

St. Paul acknowledges Abraham as a role model of faith. He is one of the ancestors of the Jewish people and the most respected patriarch. The question is: Was he justified by works or by faith? Scripture says that he was justified by faith. Which Scripture does Paul quote here? Paul knows his Scripture well. Genesis 15:6 states, “And he believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.” We understand that justification, righteousness, and salvation are used interchangeably. They are gifts from God; no one can earn them through hard work. They are given freely and gratuitously.

King David experienced God’s forgiveness after the disastrous episode of adultery with Bathsheba (cf. 2 Samuel 11:1–12:9) and the cunningly executed murder of Uriah on the battlefield. Psalm 51 depicts how David sought God’s mercy and forgiveness. With this background, David can indeed say, “Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin” (Romans 4:7–8 NRSV).

We often read about stampedes at both religious and political gatherings. Uncontrolled and undisciplined crowds have caused the deaths of thousands of people in India. In today’s Gospel, we hear that thousands of people were trampling on one another. Jesus first spoke to His disciples. He condemns the Pharisees outright for their hypocrisy. We know how hostile the Pharisees and lawyers were toward Jesus, constantly trying to trap Him in every possible way. They were a kind of social influencer. Jesus compares their influence to a small amount of leaven that permeates an entire batch of dough.

Jesus assures His listeners that no secret will remain hidden; everything will one day come to light. Speaking about the preciousness of human life, Jesus teaches that life is more valuable than many sparrows. Therefore, there is no need to fear those who can kill the body but cannot harm the soul. The soul helps us connect with God intimately and with ease.

Call to Action: Our zeal and enthusiasm to listen to the Lord should be transformed into a true faith encounter. Otherwise, it will have no benefit for the soul. After all, spiritual life is as vital as physical life.