Daily Readings - Wed Oct 29 2025
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 encounter two profound reflections on God’s plan and our response to it. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, especially in our weaknesses. St. Paul reassures us that even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our deepest longings with God’s will. He also speaks of the divine plan: those whom God foreknew, he predestined, called, justified, and glorified. This passage is a beautiful summary of God’s loving providence and our ultimate destiny in Christ.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the urgency of living a life that reflects our commitment to God. Jesus is asked about the number of those who will be saved, and he responds by emphasizing the narrow gate. Many will seek to enter but will not be able, not because God is exclusive, but because we must strive to live in a way that aligns with his will. The image of the door being shut and the Master saying, “I do not know where you are from,” is a stark reminder that mere familiarity with God is not enough. We must act with faith, love, and justice to inherit the kingdom.
These readings are deeply connected. Romans assures us that God is always working for our good, even when we are weak, while Luke’s Gospel challenges us to respond to this grace with perseverance and fidelity. Together, they invite us to trust in God’s plan while also taking responsibility for our spiritual lives. In daily life, this means prayerfully discerning God’s will, relying on the Spirit’s help, and living with intentionality—striving to enter through the narrow gate by prioritizing love, humility, and holiness. Let us not grow complacent but instead embrace the call to be saints, knowing that God’s grace is always available to guide and strengthen us on our journey.