Daily Readings - Fri Oct 24 2025
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound reflections on the human condition and our relationship with God. The first reading from Romans 7:18-25a presents St. Paul’s deeply personal struggle with sin and his desire to do good. He confesses that despite his best intentions, he often finds himself doing the opposite of what he wants. This internal conflict reveals the universal human experience of being torn between good and evil. Paul ultimately finds hope in the grace of God through Jesus Christ, acknowledging that true freedom from sin comes only through Him.
The Gospel from Luke 12:54-59 shifts our focus from the internal struggle to the external signs of the times. Jesus criticizes the hypocrisy of those who can predict the weather but fail to recognize the spiritual signs around them. He urges them to discern the moment and settle their affairs before it is too late, using the parable of a man on his way to court. This teaching calls us to live with awareness and responsibility, recognizing that our choices have consequences and that true wisdom lies in seeking justice and reconciliation.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Like Paul, we often struggle with our weaknesses and failures, but we are reminded that God’s grace is always available to us. Like the crowd in the Gospel, we are called to be attentive to the signs of our times and to live with integrity and discernment. Let us ask ourselves: Are we aware of the spiritual battles within us? Are we attentive to the ways we can grow closer to God and live more justly? Let us turn to God with humility, acknowledging our need for His help, and strive to live in a way that reflects His love and truth.