Daily Readings - Fri Oct 25 2019
Romans
18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Luke
54And he said also to the people, When ye see a cloud rise out of the west, straightway ye say, There cometh a shower; and so it is.55And when ye see the south wind blow, ye say, There will be heat; and it cometh to pass.56Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky and of the earth; but how is it that ye do not discern this time?57Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?58When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.59I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the human condition and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul describes the internal struggle we all face between good and evil. He acknowledges that while we may want to do good, our flesh often leads us to do the opposite. This struggle is universal, and Paul cries out in frustration, recognizing that he is trapped in this cycle of sin. Yet, he finds hope in the grace of God through Jesus Christ, who frees us from the body of death.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to discern the signs of the times and to act with justice. He criticizes the hypocrisy of those who can predict the weather but fail to see the urgency of living according to God's will. Jesus encourages us to resolve conflicts quickly and to avoid being trapped in sin and judgment. Both readings remind us that while we are weak and prone to sin, God's grace is available to us. However, we must take responsibility for our actions and seek reconciliation.
As we apply these readings to our lives, let us recognize the areas where we struggle with sin and turn to God for help. Let us also be mindful of the need to live justly and to resolve conflicts in a spirit of love and compassion. May we rely on God's grace to overcome our weaknesses and may we strive to live as children of light, discerning the will of God in our daily lives.