Daily Readings - Sat Oct 26 2019
Romans
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Luke
1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.2And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?3I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.4Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?5I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.6He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.7Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?8And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:9And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the transformative power of God’s grace and the call to repentance. The first reading from Romans reminds us that through Christ, we are freed from the law of sin and death, and we are called to live according to the Spirit. This passage emphasizes that our new life in Christ is not about condemnation but about the liberation and peace that come from living in harmony with God’s will. The context of this passage is St. Paul’s larger discussion about the relationship between the law and the Spirit, reassuring believers that their life in Christ is one of freedom and hope.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching about repentance and God’s patience. In response to tragic events, Jesus warns against assuming that suffering is a direct result of sin. Instead, He uses these moments to call all people to repentance, emphasizing that none of us are immune to the need for conversion. The parable of the fig tree reinforces this message, showing that God gives us time and grace to bear fruit, but we must respond with effort and faith. This parable is a powerful reminder that our lives are not static; we are always given the opportunity to grow and change with God’s help.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the opportunity for transformation and the responsibility that comes with it. In Romans, we see the inner transformation wrought by the Spirit, while in Luke, we are called to outward signs of repentance and fruitful living. Together, they remind us that our relationship with God is one of ongoing conversion and growth. In our daily lives, this means examining our hearts and actions, seeking to live more deeply in the Spirit, and being open to the grace that allows us to bear fruit. The moral lesson here is one of hope and responsibility: God’s grace is abundant, but we must cooperate with it, trusting in His patience while striving to live as fruitful disciples. Let us embrace this call to conversion and growth, knowing that the Spirit of God is always at work within us, leading us to eternal life.