Daily Readings - Wed Oct 27 2021
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
In today's readings, we are presented with profound insights into God's plan and our response to it. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the Spirit's role in our lives, particularly in our weaknesses. Paul assures us that the Spirit intercedes for us, even when we do not know how to pray. This passage is part of a larger discussion about suffering and the benefits of being in Christ, emphasizing that all things work together for good for those who love God. It highlights the process of being called, justified, and glorified, underscoring God's sovereign plan in our lives.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus' teaching on the narrow gate. Jesus warns that many will seek to enter the kingdom but will not be able to, urging us to strive to enter through the narrow gate. This passage, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, emphasizes the necessity of commitment and the reality of judgment. It serves as a call to live a life that reflects true devotion to Christ, not merely in words but in actions.
Together, these readings balance divine grace with human responsibility. Romans encourages us to trust in the Spirit's guidance and God's plan, while Luke's Gospel calls us to authentic faith and perseverance. In our daily lives, this means relying on the Spirit's help, especially in prayer, and living out our faith sincerely. The moral lesson is one of trust and responsibility: trusting in God's plan while taking personal responsibility to live according to His will. It is a call to humility, perseverance, and genuine faith, reminding us that our commitment to Christ will ultimately determine our place in His kingdom.