Daily Readings - Tue Oct 26 2021
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
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of hope, transformation, and the Kingdom of God. The first reading from Romans reminds us that our current struggles are but a prelude to the glory that awaits us. Paul assures us that creation itself groans in anticipation of redemption, and we, as believers, wait with patient hope for the full revelation of our adoption as children of God. This hope is not in what we see but in what we trust will come to be.
The Gospel from Luke offers us two parables that illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a mighty tree, and the leaven, though hidden, transforms the entire dough. These parables teach us that the Kingdom begins inconspicuously but leads to profound transformation. Just as the seed and leaven work quietly yet powerfully, our faith, even in small acts, can have a transformative impact.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded to trust in God’s plan, even when our current circumstances seem challenging. Like the mustard seed and leaven, our faith can grow and influence the world around us. Let us embrace hope, knowing that our patience and trust in God will lead to a future filled with glory and transformation. May we live each day contributing to the growth of God’s Kingdom, inspired by the promise that even the smallest beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.