Daily Readings - Sat Oct 25 2025
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 are invited to reflect on the transformative power of the Spirit and the call to repentance. The first reading from Romans reminds us that through Christ, we are freed from the law of sin and death, living instead in the Spirit. This passage emphasizes the contrast between a life governed by the flesh and one guided by the Spirit, urging us to seek life and peace through spiritual mindfulness.
The Gospel from Luke presents Jesus teaching on repentance, using tragic events to illustrate that suffering does not correlate with sinfulness. He calls all to repent, reinforcing this message with the parable of the fig tree. This parable highlights God’s patience, offering us time to grow and bear fruit, while also reminding us that this opportunity is not indefinite.
These readings connect through their emphasis on spiritual transformation. Romans focuses on the internal shift from flesh to Spirit, while Luke’s parable illustrates the external manifestation of this transformation through fruitful living. Together, they remind us that our faith is both a gift and a call to action, requiring us to nurture our spiritual growth and repent when we falter.
In our daily lives, this means embracing the Spirit’s guidance, seeking holiness, and being mindful of our actions. The fig tree’s story encourages patience with ourselves and others, recognizing that spiritual growth is a process. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to a life transformed by the Spirit, bearing fruit through repentance and trust in God’s mercy. Let us embrace this call with gratitude and dedication, trusting in God’s patience as we strive to grow in holiness.