Daily Readings - Wed Oct 29 2025
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 encounter two profound reflections on God’s plan and our response to it. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, especially in our weaknesses. St. Paul reassures us that even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our deepest longings with God’s will. He also speaks of the divine plan: those whom God foreknew, he predestined, called, justified, and glorified. This passage is a beautiful summary of God’s loving providence and our ultimate destiny in Christ.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the urgency of living a life that reflects our commitment to God. Jesus is asked about the number of those who will be saved, and he responds by emphasizing the narrow gate. Many will seek to enter but will not be able, not because God is exclusive, but because we must strive to live in a way that aligns with his will. The image of the door being shut and the Master saying, “I do not know where you are from,” is a stark reminder that mere familiarity with God is not enough. We must act with faith, love, and justice to inherit the kingdom.
These readings are deeply connected. Romans assures us that God is always working for our good, even when we are weak, while Luke’s Gospel challenges us to respond to this grace with perseverance and fidelity. Together, they invite us to trust in God’s plan while also taking responsibility for our spiritual lives. In daily life, this means prayerfully discerning God’s will, relying on the Spirit’s help, and living with intentionality—striving to enter through the narrow gate by prioritizing love, humility, and holiness. Let us not grow complacent but instead embrace the call to be saints, knowing that God’s grace is always available to guide and strengthen us on our journey.