Daily Readings - Tue Oct 31 2017

First Reading - Romans 8.18-25

¹⁸For I consider that the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with that future glory which shall be revealed in us¹⁹For the anticipation of the creature anticipates the revelation of the sons of God²⁰For the creature was made subject to emptiness, not willingly, but for the sake of the One who made it subject, unto hope²¹For the creature itself shall also be delivered from the servitude of corruption, into the liberty of the glory of the sons of God²²For we know that every creature groans inwardly, as if giving birth, even until now²³and not only these, but also ourselves, since we hold the first-fruits of the Spirit. For we also groan within ourselves, anticipating our adoption as the sons of God, and the redemption of our body²⁴For we have been saved by hope. But a hope which is seen is not hope. For when a man sees something, why would he hope²⁵But since we hope for what we do not see, we wait with patience

Gospel - Luke 13.18-21

Luke

Chapter 13

¹⁸And so he said: "To what is the kingdom of God similar, and to what figure shall I compare it¹⁹It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and cast into his garden. And it grew, and it became a great tree, and the birds of the air rested in its branches.²⁰And again, he said: "To what figure shall I compare the kingdom of God²¹It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of fine wheat flour, until it was entirely leavened.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of hope and the growth of God’s kingdom in our lives. The first reading from Romans reminds us that our present sufferings, though real, are nothing compared to the future glory that awaits us. Paul writes about the whole creation groaning in anticipation of being set free from corruption, and he encourages us to wait patiently for the full revelation of God’s sons and daughters. This passage is set in the context of Paul’s broader discussion of the Spirit and the hope of glory, reassuring believers that their struggles are not in vain. The Gospel reading from Luke offers two parables that illustrate how the kingdom of God grows in unexpected and often unseen ways. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a great tree, and the leaven, though hidden, transforms the entire batch of dough. These images remind us that God’s work often begins in humble and unassuming ways, but it leads to profound transformation. Jesus uses these parables to teach his disciples about the nature of the kingdom, emphasizing that growth and change are gradual but inevitable when we cooperate with God’s grace. Together, these readings encourage us to trust in God’s plan and to have hope, even when we cannot see the fullness of what he is doing. Just as the mustard seed grows into a tree and the leaven transforms the dough, our small acts of faith and perseverance can lead to great things. Let us embrace the hope that Paul speaks of, knowing that our struggles are temporary, and let us nurture the seed of God’s kingdom in our hearts, trusting that it will bear fruit in due time.