Daily Readings - Wed Oct 27 2021
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
In today's readings, we are presented with profound insights into God's plan and our response to it. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the Spirit's role in our lives, particularly in our weaknesses. Paul assures us that the Spirit intercedes for us, even when we do not know how to pray. This passage is part of a larger discussion about suffering and the benefits of being in Christ, emphasizing that all things work together for good for those who love God. It highlights the process of being called, justified, and glorified, underscoring God's sovereign plan in our lives.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus' teaching on the narrow gate. Jesus warns that many will seek to enter the kingdom but will not be able to, urging us to strive to enter through the narrow gate. This passage, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, emphasizes the necessity of commitment and the reality of judgment. It serves as a call to live a life that reflects true devotion to Christ, not merely in words but in actions.
Together, these readings balance divine grace with human responsibility. Romans encourages us to trust in the Spirit's guidance and God's plan, while Luke's Gospel calls us to authentic faith and perseverance. In our daily lives, this means relying on the Spirit's help, especially in prayer, and living out our faith sincerely. The moral lesson is one of trust and responsibility: trusting in God's plan while taking personal responsibility to live according to His will. It is a call to humility, perseverance, and genuine faith, reminding us that our commitment to Christ will ultimately determine our place in His kingdom.