Daily Readings - Wed Oct 20 2021
Romans
12Therefore, let not sin reign in your mortal body, such that you would obey its desires13Nor should you offer the parts of your body as instruments of iniquity for sin. Instead, offer yourselves to God, as if you were living after death, and offer the parts of your body as instruments of justice for God14For sin should not have dominion over you. For you are not under the law, but under grace15What is next? Should we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? Let it not be so16Do you not know to whom you are offering yourselves as servants under obedience? You are the servants of whomever you obey: whether of sin, unto death, or of obedience, unto justice17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be the servants of sin, now you have been obedient from the heart to the very form of the doctrine into which you have been received18And having been freed from sin, we have become servants of justice
Luke
39But know this: that if the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly stand watch, and he would not permit his house to be broken into40You also must be prepared. For the Son of man will return at an hour that you will not realize.41Then Peter said to him, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or also to everyone?42So the Lord said: "Who do you think is the faithful and prudent steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his family, in order to give them their measure of wheat in due time43Blessed is that servant if, when his Lord will return, he will find him acting in this manner44Truly I say to you, that he will appoint him over all that he possesses45But if that servant will have said in his heart, ‘My Lord has made a delay in his return,’ and if he has begun to strike the men and women servants, and to eat and drink, and to be inebriated46then the Lord of that servant will return on a day which he hoped not, and at an hour which he knew not. And he will separate him, and he will place his portion with that of the unfaithful47And that servant, who knew the will of his Lord, and who did not prepare and did not act according to his will, will be beaten many times over48Yet he who did not know, and who acted in a way that deserves a beating, will be beaten fewer times. So then, of all to whom much has been given, much will be required. And of those to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be asked
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound responsibilities and expectations that come with our faith. The first reading from Romans 6:12-18 urges us to resist sin and instead offer our lives as instruments of justice, living under God’s grace. This passage emphasizes the transformation that occurs when we surrender to God, moving from slavery to sin to becoming servants of righteousness. The second reading from Luke 12:39-48 presents a parable about a master’s unexpected return, highlighting the importance of preparedness and faithfulness. Jesus teaches that those entrusted with much will be held to a higher standard, underscoring the consequences of neglecting our duties.
Both readings share a common theme of accountability and stewardship. In Romans, Paul focuses on our spiritual state, encouraging us to live in accordance with God’s grace. In Luke, Jesus emphasizes the practical aspects of faithfulness, illustrating the importance of being responsible with the resources and time we have. Together, these passages remind us that our faith is not passive but active, requiring us to make intentional choices that reflect our commitment to God.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to be mindful of our actions and choices, ensuring they align with our faith. We must remain spiritually vigilant, prepared for life’s unexpected challenges and opportunities. This means being faithful stewards of the talents, time, and resources entrusted to us. The moral lesson here is clear: our actions have consequences, and we are called to live with purpose and integrity, recognizing that we will be held accountable for how we live our lives. Let us strive to be faithful servants, using our gifts to serve others and glorify God.