Daily Readings - Wed Oct 25 2023
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our responsibility to live as faithful disciples. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that we are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live under grace. He urges us to offer our bodies as instruments of justice, not as tools for sin. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of baptism, which frees us from the dominion of sin and calls us to live in obedience to God’s will. We are not just passive recipients of grace; we are called to actively cooperate with it by living virtuous lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the importance of being prepared and faithful stewards. He uses the parable of the master who returns unexpectedly to emphasize the need for vigilance and responsibility. The faithful servant is the one who remains attentive to his duties and cares for the household entrusted to him. Jesus warns, however, that if a servant becomes complacent or abusive of his position, he will face severe consequences. This teaching extends beyond the parable to all of us, reminding us that we are stewards of the gifts, talents, and resources God has given us. Much is expected from those to whom much has been given.
These readings call us to examine our lives and ask: Are we living as faithful stewards of God’s grace and gifts? Are we prepared to meet the Lord when he comes, whether at the end of our lives or in the unexpected moments of grace? Let us strive to live with purpose and integrity, mindful that our choices have consequences. May we use our time, talents, and resources to build up the Kingdom of God, trusting in his mercy and striving to be faithful servants.