Daily Readings - Thu Oct 30 2025
Romans
31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?32He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?33Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.34Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?36As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke
31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you."32And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course.33Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.'34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!35Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound assurance of God's unwavering love and the steadfast commitment required in following Christ. The first reading from Romans 8:31b-39 reassures us that nothing can separate us from God's love, not even the challenges we face. This passage, part of Paul's extensive discussion on the relationship between believers and God, emphasizes faith and perseverance. It underscores that with God on our side, we are empowered to overcome all adversities.
The Gospel from Luke 13:31-35 presents Jesus resolutely continuing His mission despite the danger posed by Herod. This narrative, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, highlights His divine purpose and sorrow for those who reject His message. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reflects His deep compassion and the heart of a loving Father, urging us to embrace His will.
These readings connect in their themes of trust and perseverance. Romans provides the theological foundation, while Luke illustrates this through Jesus' example. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's providence, even amidst trials, and to emulate Jesus' compassion. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's plan, persevere in faith, and live with the same love and dedication Jesus showed, even in the face of adversity.