Daily Readings - Tue Oct 29 2019
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on hope, transformation, and the gradual unfolding of God’s plan in our lives. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that the sufferings of this present time are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us. He speaks of creation itself groaning in anticipation of redemption, a reminder that even the natural world is yearning for the fullness of God’s plan. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s promise, even when we face trials, for we have been saved by hope. Hope, Paul says, is not something we see; it is what we wait for with patience and perseverance.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two simple yet profound parables to describe the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed, small and seemingly insignificant, grows into a great tree where birds can rest. The leaven, hidden in dough, works quietly until it transforms the entire batch. These images remind us that the Kingdom of God is not about grandeur or immediate results. Instead, it begins in small, hidden ways—like a seed or a pinch of yeast—and grows gradually, transforming everything it touches. This teaches us to trust in the power of small actions and to be patient, for God often works in ways that are subtle yet profound.
Together, these readings encourage us to live with hope and faith in the midst of challenges. Like creation, we groan inwardly, longing for the fullness of God’s plan, but we do so with confidence in His promise. Like the mustard seed and the leaven, our efforts, though small, can have a transformative impact when entrusted to God. Let us embrace the hope that sustains us, trusting that even in the midst of suffering, God is at work, bringing His Kingdom to life in us and through us.