Daily Readings - Tue Oct 29 2019
Romans
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
Luke
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on hope, transformation, and the gradual unfolding of God’s plan in our lives. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that the sufferings of this present time are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us. He speaks of creation itself groaning in anticipation of redemption, a reminder that even the natural world is yearning for the fullness of God’s plan. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s promise, even when we face trials, for we have been saved by hope. Hope, Paul says, is not something we see; it is what we wait for with patience and perseverance.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two simple yet profound parables to describe the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed, small and seemingly insignificant, grows into a great tree where birds can rest. The leaven, hidden in dough, works quietly until it transforms the entire batch. These images remind us that the Kingdom of God is not about grandeur or immediate results. Instead, it begins in small, hidden ways—like a seed or a pinch of yeast—and grows gradually, transforming everything it touches. This teaches us to trust in the power of small actions and to be patient, for God often works in ways that are subtle yet profound.
Together, these readings encourage us to live with hope and faith in the midst of challenges. Like creation, we groan inwardly, longing for the fullness of God’s plan, but we do so with confidence in His promise. Like the mustard seed and the leaven, our efforts, though small, can have a transformative impact when entrusted to God. Let us embrace the hope that sustains us, trusting that even in the midst of suffering, God is at work, bringing His Kingdom to life in us and through us.