Daily Readings - Tue Oct 24 2017
First Reading - Romans 5.12-21
Romans
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel - Luke 12.35-38
Luke
Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound connection between sin, grace, and our ultimate hope in Christ. The first reading from Romans explores the contrast between Adam’s disobedience and Christ’s obedience. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world, but through Christ, grace and justification abound. Paul emphasizes that while sin has its consequences, God’s grace is even more abundant, offering us life and justification. This passage invites us to reflect on the universal impact of sin and the superabundant gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel from Luke complements this theme by urging us to live with vigilance and readiness. Jesus uses the image of servants awaiting their master’s return to stress the importance of being prepared for His coming. The servants who are found vigilant and faithful are blessed, for the master will serve them. This passage calls us to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences. Together, the readings remind us that while sin and death are real, God’s grace and mercy are greater, and we are called to live in anticipation of eternal life.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we might apply their lessons to our daily lives. Are we living with the awareness that our choices have spiritual repercussions? Are we prepared to meet the Lord, not just at the end of time, but in the moments of our everyday lives? The readings encourage us to trust in God’s grace, to live with integrity, and to remain vigilant in our faith. May we embrace the gift of justification offered through Christ and strive to live as children of light, ready to welcome Him whenever He comes.