Daily Readings - Wed Oct 27 2021
Romans
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
Luke
22He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem.23And someone said to him, "Lord, will those who are saved be few?" And he said to them,24"Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.25When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.'26Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.'27But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!'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 but you yourselves cast out.29And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.30And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are presented with profound insights into God's plan and our response to it. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the Spirit's role in our lives, particularly in our weaknesses. Paul assures us that the Spirit intercedes for us, even when we do not know how to pray. This passage is part of a larger discussion about suffering and the benefits of being in Christ, emphasizing that all things work together for good for those who love God. It highlights the process of being called, justified, and glorified, underscoring God's sovereign plan in our lives.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus' teaching on the narrow gate. Jesus warns that many will seek to enter the kingdom but will not be able to, urging us to strive to enter through the narrow gate. This passage, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, emphasizes the necessity of commitment and the reality of judgment. It serves as a call to live a life that reflects true devotion to Christ, not merely in words but in actions.
Together, these readings balance divine grace with human responsibility. Romans encourages us to trust in the Spirit's guidance and God's plan, while Luke's Gospel calls us to authentic faith and perseverance. In our daily lives, this means relying on the Spirit's help, especially in prayer, and living out our faith sincerely. The moral lesson is one of trust and responsibility: trusting in God's plan while taking personal responsibility to live according to His will. It is a call to humility, perseverance, and genuine faith, reminding us that our commitment to Christ will ultimately determine our place in His kingdom.