Daily Readings - Fri Oct 25 2019
Romans
18For I know that what is good does not live within me, that is, within my flesh. For the willingness to do good lies close to me, but the carrying out of that good, I cannot reach19For I do not do the good that I want to do. But instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do20Now if I do what I am not willing to do, it is no longer I who am doing it, but the sin which lives within me21And so, I discover the law, by wanting to do good within myself, though evil lies close beside me22For I am delighted with the law of God, according to the inner man23But I perceive another law within my body, fighting against the law of my mind, and captivating me with the law of sin which is in my body24Unhappy man that I am, who will free me from this body of death25The grace of God, by Jesus Christ our Lord! Therefore, I serve the law of God with my own mind; but with the flesh, the law of sin
Luke
54And he also said to the crowds: "When you see a cloud rising from the setting of the sun, immediately you say, ‘A rain cloud is coming.’ And so it does55And when a south wind is blowing, you say, ‘It will be hot.’ And so it is56You hypocrites! You discern the face of the heavens, and of the earth, yet how is it that you do not discern this time57And why do you not, even among yourselves, judge what is just58So, when you are going with your adversary to the ruler, while you are on the way, make an effort to be freed from him, lest perhaps he may lead you to the judge, and the judge may deliver you to the officer, and the officer may cast you into prison59I tell you, you will not depart from there, until you have paid the very last coin.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the human condition and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul describes the internal struggle we all face between good and evil. He acknowledges that while we may want to do good, our flesh often leads us to do the opposite. This struggle is universal, and Paul cries out in frustration, recognizing that he is trapped in this cycle of sin. Yet, he finds hope in the grace of God through Jesus Christ, who frees us from the body of death.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to discern the signs of the times and to act with justice. He criticizes the hypocrisy of those who can predict the weather but fail to see the urgency of living according to God's will. Jesus encourages us to resolve conflicts quickly and to avoid being trapped in sin and judgment. Both readings remind us that while we are weak and prone to sin, God's grace is available to us. However, we must take responsibility for our actions and seek reconciliation.
As we apply these readings to our lives, let us recognize the areas where we struggle with sin and turn to God for help. Let us also be mindful of the need to live justly and to resolve conflicts in a spirit of love and compassion. May we rely on God's grace to overcome our weaknesses and may we strive to live as children of light, discerning the will of God in our daily lives.