Daily Readings - Tue Oct 24 2017
Romans
12Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned--13for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law.14Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.15But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.16And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.17If, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.18Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men.19For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.20Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more,21so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Luke
35"Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,36and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.37Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.38If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound connection between sin, grace, and our ultimate hope in Christ. The first reading from Romans explores the contrast between Adam’s disobedience and Christ’s obedience. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world, but through Christ, grace and justification abound. Paul emphasizes that while sin has its consequences, God’s grace is even more abundant, offering us life and justification. This passage invites us to reflect on the universal impact of sin and the superabundant gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel from Luke complements this theme by urging us to live with vigilance and readiness. Jesus uses the image of servants awaiting their master’s return to stress the importance of being prepared for His coming. The servants who are found vigilant and faithful are blessed, for the master will serve them. This passage calls us to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences. Together, the readings remind us that while sin and death are real, God’s grace and mercy are greater, and we are called to live in anticipation of eternal life.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we might apply their lessons to our daily lives. Are we living with the awareness that our choices have spiritual repercussions? Are we prepared to meet the Lord, not just at the end of time, but in the moments of our everyday lives? The readings encourage us to trust in God’s grace, to live with integrity, and to remain vigilant in our faith. May we embrace the gift of justification offered through Christ and strive to live as children of light, ready to welcome Him whenever He comes.