Daily Readings - Fri Oct 27 2023
Romans
18For I know that what is good does not live within me, that is, within my flesh. For the willingness to do good lies close to me, but the carrying out of that good, I cannot reach19For I do not do the good that I want to do. But instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do20Now if I do what I am not willing to do, it is no longer I who am doing it, but the sin which lives within me21And so, I discover the law, by wanting to do good within myself, though evil lies close beside me22For I am delighted with the law of God, according to the inner man23But I perceive another law within my body, fighting against the law of my mind, and captivating me with the law of sin which is in my body24Unhappy man that I am, who will free me from this body of death25The grace of God, by Jesus Christ our Lord! Therefore, I serve the law of God with my own mind; but with the flesh, the law of sin
Luke
54And he also said to the crowds: "When you see a cloud rising from the setting of the sun, immediately you say, ‘A rain cloud is coming.’ And so it does55And when a south wind is blowing, you say, ‘It will be hot.’ And so it is56You hypocrites! You discern the face of the heavens, and of the earth, yet how is it that you do not discern this time57And why do you not, even among yourselves, judge what is just58So, when you are going with your adversary to the ruler, while you are on the way, make an effort to be freed from him, lest perhaps he may lead you to the judge, and the judge may deliver you to the officer, and the officer may cast you into prison59I tell you, you will not depart from there, until you have paid the very last coin.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the human condition and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Romans, Paul describes the internal struggle we all face between good and evil. He admits that even though he wants to do what is right, he often finds himself doing the opposite. This tension within him reveals the deeper truth of our fallen nature: sin dwells within us, and we are powerless to overcome it on our own. Paul’s cry, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” is a universal human lament, acknowledging our need for salvation.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to discern the signs of the times and to judge what is just. He criticizes the hypocrisy of those who can read the weather but fail to recognize the spiritual realities around them. Jesus then tells a parable about being prepared to settle disputes before they escalate, warning that if we do not resolve our conflicts here and now, we risk being trapped in a spiritual prison from which we cannot escape. This teaching calls us to be vigilant and proactive in our spiritual lives, to seek reconciliation, and to live with integrity.
Together, these readings remind us that the struggle between good and evil is real, but it is not a battle we can win by ourselves. Paul’s honesty about his own weakness points us to the grace of God, which alone can free us from the power of sin. Jesus’ call to discernment and justice invites us to live with awareness and responsibility, seeking to align our lives with God’s will. Let us ask for the grace to recognize our own struggles, to turn to God for help, and to live in a way that reflects the justice and mercy of Christ.