Daily Readings - Wed Oct 30 2019
Romans
26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Luke
22And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.23Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,24Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.25When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:26Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.27But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.28There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.29And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.30And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s plan for our lives and the call to live with purpose and perseverance. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reassures us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness, especially when we do not know how to pray. He reminds us that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. This passage emphasizes the mysterious yet loving way God guides our lives, even when we cannot see the full picture. The Gospel, from Luke, shifts our focus to the urgency of living a life that aligns with God’s will. Jesus warns us about the narrow gate and the danger of complacency, reminding us that merely knowing or associating with him is not enough. True discipleship requires a commitment to live according to his teachings, even when the path is difficult. Those who persevere and remain faithful will find their place in the kingdom, while others may be surprised to find themselves outside.
Both readings remind us that God’s ways are not our ways, and his plan often exceeds our limited understanding. The Spirit’s intercession in Romans and the narrow gate in Luke both point to the mystery of God’s judgment and mercy. While we cannot fully grasp how he works, we are called to trust in his love and to live in a way that reflects our commitment to him. The narrow gate is not about earning salvation but about allowing our lives to be shaped by Christ’s teachings and values. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, but we must also strive to respond to God’s grace and to live as his saints.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our priorities and our relationship with God. Are we relying on the Spirit’s guidance, or are we trying to navigate life on our own? Are we striving to live a life of faith and virtue, or are we content with a superficial relationship with Christ? The good news is that God is always at work in our lives, calling us to deeper conversion and holiness. Let us embrace the narrow gate with courage and trust, knowing that the Spirit is with us every step of the way. May we not be complacent but instead live with purpose, trusting that all things will indeed work together for good as we follow him.