Daily Readings - Tue Oct 19 2021
Romans
12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:13For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.17For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Luke
35Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning;36And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.37Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the profound contrast between sin and grace, and the call to vigilant faithfulness. The first reading from Romans 5:12-21 presents a theological reflection on the entrance of sin through Adam and the superabundance of grace through Christ. Paul highlights that just as Adam's disobedience led to death, Christ's obedience brings justification and life. This passage underscores the universal impact of sin and the even greater power of God's grace.
The Gospel from Luke 12:35-38 shifts focus to the importance of preparedness and faithfulness. Jesus uses the metaphor of servants awaiting their master's return to emphasize the need for constant vigilance. The servants who are found ready when the master arrives are not only rewarded but also invited to share in a special relationship, where the master serves them. This passage invites us to reflect on our own readiness to meet the Lord, not out of fear, but out of love and commitment.
Together, these readings remind us that our actions have consequences, much like Adam's sin and Christ's grace. While sin leads to death, grace offers us life and justification. The call to be vigilant servants encourages us to live each day with purpose and integrity, recognizing that our choices impact not only ourselves but others. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to embrace God's grace and live faithfully, knowing that our actions matter. Let us strive to be stewards of grace, living in gratitude and readiness for the Lord's return.