Daily Readings - Wed Oct 25 2017
First Reading - Romans 6.12-18
Romans
12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Gospel - Luke 12.39-48
Luke
39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.47And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with our faith. The first reading from Romans urges us not to let sin dominate our lives but instead to offer ourselves to God as instruments of justice. This passage, written by St. Paul, emphasizes the transformation that occurs through baptism, where we die to sin and rise to a new life in Christ. It calls us to live with purpose and integrity, recognizing that we are no longer bound by sin but are under God’s grace.
The Gospel from Luke reinforces this message through the parable of the faithful and prudent steward. Jesus teaches us to be vigilant and prepared for His return, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and responsibility. The steward who is diligent and faithful is rewarded, while the one who is negligent faces consequences. This parable is not just about the Second Coming but also about how we live each day. It challenges us to consider whether we are using the gifts, talents, and resources entrusted to us in a way that honors God.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our lives and our relationship with God. They remind us that our faith is not passive but active. We are called to live with intentionality, making choices that align with God’s will and being mindful of the accountability that comes with our faith. Let us strive to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, living each day with purpose, integrity, and a deep commitment to our Lord.