Daily Readings - Mon Oct 16 2017
First Reading - Romans 1.1-7
Romans
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gospel - Luke 11.29-32
Luke
And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, God’s plan, and our response to His call. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an Apostle, and separated for the Gospel of God. He emphasizes that the Gospel was promised beforehand through the prophets and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born of the flesh of David and declared the Son of God in power through His resurrection. Paul also expresses his mission to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, including the believers in Rome. This passage sets the stage for Paul’s theological masterpiece, the Letter to the Romans, which explores the depths of God’s plan of salvation.
In the Gospel, Jesus addresses the crowds, criticizing their wicked generation for seeking a sign. He warns them that no sign will be given except the sign of Jonah, who became a symbol of repentance for the people of Nineveh. Jesus then contrasts the faith of the queen of the South, who traveled far to hear Solomon’s wisdom, and the repentance of the Ninevites at Jonah’s preaching, with the hardness of heart of His own generation. Despite the greater wisdom and presence of God in Jesus, the people refuse to repent. This passage challenges us to examine our own response to God’s Word and the signs He has already given us.
Both readings remind us that faith is not about seeking signs or proofs but about trusting in God’s plan and responding with obedience. St. Paul’s call and mission, as well as Jesus’ words to the crowds, emphasize that God’s revelation is already complete in Jesus Christ. We are called to live out our faith with gratitude and humility, recognizing the profound wisdom and love that God has shown us. Let us ask ourselves: Do we respond to God’s Word with openness and repentance, or do we harden our hearts like the generation Jesus addressed? May we embrace the Gospel with faith and live as children of God, trusting in His plan for our lives.