Daily Readings - Tue Oct 29 2019
Romans
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Luke
18Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?19It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.20And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?21It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on hope, transformation, and the gradual unfolding of God’s plan in our lives. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that the sufferings of this present time are nothing compared to the glory that awaits us. He speaks of creation itself groaning in anticipation of redemption, a reminder that even the natural world is yearning for the fullness of God’s plan. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s promise, even when we face trials, for we have been saved by hope. Hope, Paul says, is not something we see; it is what we wait for with patience and perseverance.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two simple yet profound parables to describe the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed, small and seemingly insignificant, grows into a great tree where birds can rest. The leaven, hidden in dough, works quietly until it transforms the entire batch. These images remind us that the Kingdom of God is not about grandeur or immediate results. Instead, it begins in small, hidden ways—like a seed or a pinch of yeast—and grows gradually, transforming everything it touches. This teaches us to trust in the power of small actions and to be patient, for God often works in ways that are subtle yet profound.
Together, these readings encourage us to live with hope and faith in the midst of challenges. Like creation, we groan inwardly, longing for the fullness of God’s plan, but we do so with confidence in His promise. Like the mustard seed and the leaven, our efforts, though small, can have a transformative impact when entrusted to God. Let us embrace the hope that sustains us, trusting that even in the midst of suffering, God is at work, bringing His Kingdom to life in us and through us.