Daily Readings - Tue Oct 31 2017
Romans
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Luke
18He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it?19It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches."20And again he said, "To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?21It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of hope and the growth of God’s kingdom in our lives. The first reading from Romans reminds us that our present sufferings, though real, are nothing compared to the future glory that awaits us. Paul writes about the whole creation groaning in anticipation of being set free from corruption, and he encourages us to wait patiently for the full revelation of God’s sons and daughters. This passage is set in the context of Paul’s broader discussion of the Spirit and the hope of glory, reassuring believers that their struggles are not in vain.
The Gospel reading from Luke offers two parables that illustrate how the kingdom of God grows in unexpected and often unseen ways. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a great tree, and the leaven, though hidden, transforms the entire batch of dough. These images remind us that God’s work often begins in humble and unassuming ways, but it leads to profound transformation. Jesus uses these parables to teach his disciples about the nature of the kingdom, emphasizing that growth and change are gradual but inevitable when we cooperate with God’s grace.
Together, these readings encourage us to trust in God’s plan and to have hope, even when we cannot see the fullness of what he is doing. Just as the mustard seed grows into a tree and the leaven transforms the dough, our small acts of faith and perseverance can lead to great things. Let us embrace the hope that Paul speaks of, knowing that our struggles are temporary, and let us nurture the seed of God’s kingdom in our hearts, trusting that it will bear fruit in due time.