Daily Readings - Thu Oct 21 2021
Romans
19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Luke
49I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?50But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:52For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.53The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of faith and the challenges it presents. The first reading from Romans encourages believers to turn away from sin and towards justice, emphasizing that this transformation leads to sanctification and eternal life. The Gospel from Luke presents a more intense message, where Jesus speaks of bringing fire and division, challenging the notion of peace and comfort. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on the nature of our commitment to faith and the changes it necessitates in our lives.
The context of Romans is Paul’s discussion on sanctification, urging believers to live righteously and reject sin. In Luke, Jesus emphasizes that his message is not one of comfort but of challenge, leading to division even within families. Both readings highlight transformation—Romans focusing on inner change and Luke on the external impact of that change. This duality reminds us that embracing faith requires both personal transformation and the courage to face its consequences.
Applying these teachings to daily life, we are called to recognize that following Christ involves change and may lead to challenges or divisions. It requires commitment and standing firm in our faith, even when it is difficult. The moral lesson here is clear: embracing the transformative power of faith leads to eternal life, but it is not without its costs. We must be willing to face division and stand for justice and righteousness, trusting in God’s promise of eternal life.