Daily Readings - Mon Oct 16 2023
Romans
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,2Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Luke
29And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.30For as Jonas was a sign unto the Ninevites, so shall also the Son of man be to this generation.31The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them: for she came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.32The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
Sermon
Dear friends in Christ,
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the essence of faith and our response to God’s call. In the first reading from Romans, Paul introduces himself as a servant of Christ, called to spread the Gospel. He emphasizes Jesus as the Son of God, born from David’s lineage, and through whom we receive grace. This passage sets the foundation of Paul’s mission, rooted in Scripture and the divine plan of salvation.
In the Gospel, Luke presents Jesus addressing a crowd, criticizing their demand for signs. Jesus refers to the sign of Jonah, highlighting how the people of Nineveh repented upon Jonah’s preaching. This serves as a call to recognize God’s presence in our lives without needing constant signs, trusting in His Word.
These readings remind us to embrace faith actively. Like the people of Nineveh, we are called to repent and respond to God’s message. In our daily lives, this means trusting God without needing proofs, being open to His grace, and living faithfully. Let us reflect on our own response to God’s call, seeking to deepen our faith and live in accordance with His will. May we find strength in His Word and grace, guiding us on our journey of faith.