Daily Readings - Tue Oct 22 2019
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound interplay between sin, grace, and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul contrasts the legacy of Adam, through whom sin and death entered the world, with the gift of Christ, who brings justification and life. This passage reminds us that while sin has its consequences, God’s grace is far more abundant and transformative. The second reading from Luke’s Gospel calls us to vigilance and readiness, urging us to live as servants who are prepared to welcome the Lord at any moment. Together, these readings challenge us to embrace the gift of grace while living with purpose and watchfulness.
The context of today’s readings is deeply rooted in the theological themes of sin, redemption, and discipleship. In Romans, Paul is addressing the early Christian community, explaining how Christ’s obedience undoes the harm caused by Adam’s disobedience. This passage emphasizes the universal nature of sin and the even greater universality of God’s grace. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of being prepared for his return, using the metaphor of servants waiting for their master. This parable emphasizes the need for faithfulness and attentiveness in our daily lives.
These readings are connected by their focus on the transformative power of God’s grace and the call to live with intentionality. While Romans highlights the contrast between sin and grace, Luke’s Gospel challenges us to live in a way that reflects our gratitude for that grace. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to trust in God’s mercy while striving to live as faithful stewards of the gifts we have received. By staying vigilant and rooted in grace, we can face life’s challenges with hope and confidence.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us remember that God’s grace is always available to us, even in our struggles and shortcomings. Let us also embrace the call to live with purpose, knowing that our actions have consequences and that we are called to be ready to meet the Lord at any moment. May we trust in the abundance of God’s grace and strive to live as faithful servants, prepared to welcome him into our lives.