Daily Readings - Tue Oct 26 2021
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
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of hope, transformation, and the Kingdom of God. The first reading from Romans reminds us that our current struggles are but a prelude to the glory that awaits us. Paul assures us that creation itself groans in anticipation of redemption, and we, as believers, wait with patient hope for the full revelation of our adoption as children of God. This hope is not in what we see but in what we trust will come to be.
The Gospel from Luke offers us two parables that illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a mighty tree, and the leaven, though hidden, transforms the entire dough. These parables teach us that the Kingdom begins inconspicuously but leads to profound transformation. Just as the seed and leaven work quietly yet powerfully, our faith, even in small acts, can have a transformative impact.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded to trust in God’s plan, even when our current circumstances seem challenging. Like the mustard seed and leaven, our faith can grow and influence the world around us. Let us embrace hope, knowing that our patience and trust in God will lead to a future filled with glory and transformation. May we live each day contributing to the growth of God’s Kingdom, inspired by the promise that even the smallest beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.