Daily Readings - Tue Oct 24 2023
Romans
12Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into this world, and through sin, death; so also death was transferred to all men, to all who have sinned13For even before the law, sin was in the world, but sin was not imputed while the law did not exist14Yet death reigned from Adam until Moses, even in those who have not sinned, in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a figure of him who was to come15But the gift is not entirely like the offense. For though by the offense of one, many died, yet much more so, by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, has the grace and gift of God abounded to many16And the sin through one is not entirely like the gift. For certainly, the judgment of one was unto condemnation, but the grace toward many offenses is unto justification17For though, by the one offense, death reigned through one, yet so much more so shall those who receive an abundance of grace, both of the gift and of justice, reign in life through the one Jesus Christ18Therefore, just as through the offense of one, all men fell under condemnation, so also through the justice of one, all men fall under justification unto life19For, just as through the disobedience of one man, many were established as sinners, so also through the obedience of one man, many shall be established as just20Now the law entered in such a way that offenses would abound. But where offenses were abundant, grace was superabundant21So then, just as sin has reigned unto death, so also may grace reign through justice unto eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord
Luke
35Let your waists be girded, and let lamps be burning in your hands36And let you yourselves be like men awaiting their lord, when he will return from the wedding; so that, when he arrives and knocks, they may open to him promptly37Blessed are those servants whom the Lord, when he returns, will find being vigilant. Amen I say to you, that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, while he, continuing on, will minister to them38And if he will return in the second watch, or if in the third watch, and if he will find them to be so: then blessed are those servants
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound connection between sin, grace, and our ultimate union with God. The first reading from Romans 5:12-21 explores the origin of sin and death through Adam, contrasting it with the abundant grace and life offered through Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that just as sin entered the world through one man, so too did redemption come through one man, Jesus. The reading highlights the superabundance of God’s grace, which far exceeds the consequences of sin. This passage invites us to reflect on the universal impact of sin and the even greater gift of salvation made available to all through Christ.
The Gospel from Luke 12:35-38 shifts our focus to the call to vigilance and readiness. Jesus uses the parable of servants awaiting their master’s return to emphasize the importance of being prepared for His coming. The servants who are found watchful and faithful are blessed, as the master will serve them in a reversal of roles. This passage reminds us that our lives should be lived with an awareness of God’s presence and a readiness to meet Him at any moment. It encourages us to live with purpose, integrity, and a constant mindfulness of our ultimate goal: eternal life with God.
Together, these readings call us to live in the tension between the reality of sin and the hope of redemption. While sin and death entered the world through Adam, Christ’s obedience and grace have opened the way to justification and eternal life. The Gospel’s call to vigilance reminds us that our response to this grace should be a life of faithfulness and readiness. In our daily lives, this means embracing the gift of salvation with gratitude, living with integrity, and staying attentive to God’s presence. Let us trust in the superabundance of God’s grace and strive to live as children of light, ever-prepared to meet the Lord who comes to us in unexpected ways.