Daily Readings - Wed Oct 30 2019
Romans
26And similarly, the Spirit also helps our weakness. For we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself asks on our behalf with ineffable sighing27And he who examines hearts knows what the Spirit seeks, because he asks on behalf of the saints in accordance with God28And we know that, for those who love God, all things work together unto good, for those who, in accordance with his purpose, are called to be saints29For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined, in conformity with the image of his Son, so that he might be the Firstborn among many brothers30And those whom he predestined, he also called. And those whom he called, he also justified. And those whom he justified, he also glorified
Luke
22And he was traveling through the cities and towns, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem23And someone said to him, "Lord, are they few who are saved?" But he said to them24"Strive to enter through the narrow gate. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and not be able25Then, when the father of the family will have entered and shut the door, you will begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us.’ And in response, he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.26Then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.27And he will say to you: ‘I do not know where you are from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity!28In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, yet you yourselves are expelled outside29And they will arrive from the East, and the West, and the North, and the South; and they will recline at table in the kingdom of God30And behold, those who are last will be first, and those who are first will be last.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s plan for our lives and the call to live with purpose and perseverance. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reassures us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness, especially when we do not know how to pray. He reminds us that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. This passage emphasizes the mysterious yet loving way God guides our lives, even when we cannot see the full picture. The Gospel, from Luke, shifts our focus to the urgency of living a life that aligns with God’s will. Jesus warns us about the narrow gate and the danger of complacency, reminding us that merely knowing or associating with him is not enough. True discipleship requires a commitment to live according to his teachings, even when the path is difficult. Those who persevere and remain faithful will find their place in the kingdom, while others may be surprised to find themselves outside.
Both readings remind us that God’s ways are not our ways, and his plan often exceeds our limited understanding. The Spirit’s intercession in Romans and the narrow gate in Luke both point to the mystery of God’s judgment and mercy. While we cannot fully grasp how he works, we are called to trust in his love and to live in a way that reflects our commitment to him. The narrow gate is not about earning salvation but about allowing our lives to be shaped by Christ’s teachings and values. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, but we must also strive to respond to God’s grace and to live as his saints.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our priorities and our relationship with God. Are we relying on the Spirit’s guidance, or are we trying to navigate life on our own? Are we striving to live a life of faith and virtue, or are we content with a superficial relationship with Christ? The good news is that God is always at work in our lives, calling us to deeper conversion and holiness. Let us embrace the narrow gate with courage and trust, knowing that the Spirit is with us every step of the way. May we not be complacent but instead live with purpose, trusting that all things will indeed work together for good as we follow him.