Daily Readings - Wed Oct 25 2023
Romans
12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
Luke
39And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.40Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not.41Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all?42And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?43Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing.44Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.45But and if that servant say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken;46The lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.47And that servant, which knew his lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.48But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our responsibility to live as faithful disciples. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that we are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live under grace. He urges us to offer our bodies as instruments of justice, not as tools for sin. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of baptism, which frees us from the dominion of sin and calls us to live in obedience to God’s will. We are not just passive recipients of grace; we are called to actively cooperate with it by living virtuous lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the importance of being prepared and faithful stewards. He uses the parable of the master who returns unexpectedly to emphasize the need for vigilance and responsibility. The faithful servant is the one who remains attentive to his duties and cares for the household entrusted to him. Jesus warns, however, that if a servant becomes complacent or abusive of his position, he will face severe consequences. This teaching extends beyond the parable to all of us, reminding us that we are stewards of the gifts, talents, and resources God has given us. Much is expected from those to whom much has been given.
These readings call us to examine our lives and ask: Are we living as faithful stewards of God’s grace and gifts? Are we prepared to meet the Lord when he comes, whether at the end of our lives or in the unexpected moments of grace? Let us strive to live with purpose and integrity, mindful that our choices have consequences. May we use our time, talents, and resources to build up the Kingdom of God, trusting in his mercy and striving to be faithful servants.