Daily Readings - Sat Oct 23 2021
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 encounter two powerful messages that invite us to reflect on our spiritual lives. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Paul explains that through Christ, we are no longer bound by the flesh but are set free to live according to the Spirit. This life in the Spirit brings peace and justification, and it is through the Spirit that our mortal bodies can be enlivened. The Gospel, however, presents a different tone. Jesus responds to tragic events by emphasizing the importance of repentance. He warns that suffering does not necessarily indicate greater sin but rather serves as a call for all to turn away from sin. The parable of the fig tree reinforces this message, illustrating God’s patience and mercy, giving us time to bear fruit through repentance and care.
The readings complement each other by highlighting the necessity of spiritual transformation. Romans focuses on the internal change brought by the Spirit, while the Gospel emphasizes the external response of repentance. Together, they remind us that living a fruitful and Spirit-led life requires both inner renewal and outward conversion. The context of Romans is one of theological reflection, explaining the benefits of life in Christ, while Luke’s Gospel is set in a more urgent tone, with Jesus addressing the crowds and using parables to drive home the importance of repentance.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to examine our relationship with God and our neighbors. Are we living according to the flesh or the Spirit? Are we bearing fruit in our lives, or are we standing stagnant like the unproductive fig tree? The moral lesson here is clear: repentance and spiritual renewal are not one-time events but ongoing processes. Just as the fig tree is given another chance to bear fruit, we too are given the opportunity to turn our lives around and live in a way that reflects the Spirit of God. Let us embrace this mercy and strive to live lives that are fruitful and pleasing to God.