Daily Readings - Wed Oct 29 2025
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 encounter two profound reflections on God’s plan and our response to it. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, especially in our weaknesses. St. Paul reassures us that even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our deepest longings with God’s will. He also speaks of the divine plan: those whom God foreknew, he predestined, called, justified, and glorified. This passage is a beautiful summary of God’s loving providence and our ultimate destiny in Christ.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the urgency of living a life that reflects our commitment to God. Jesus is asked about the number of those who will be saved, and he responds by emphasizing the narrow gate. Many will seek to enter but will not be able, not because God is exclusive, but because we must strive to live in a way that aligns with his will. The image of the door being shut and the Master saying, “I do not know where you are from,” is a stark reminder that mere familiarity with God is not enough. We must act with faith, love, and justice to inherit the kingdom.
These readings are deeply connected. Romans assures us that God is always working for our good, even when we are weak, while Luke’s Gospel challenges us to respond to this grace with perseverance and fidelity. Together, they invite us to trust in God’s plan while also taking responsibility for our spiritual lives. In daily life, this means prayerfully discerning God’s will, relying on the Spirit’s help, and living with intentionality—striving to enter through the narrow gate by prioritizing love, humility, and holiness. Let us not grow complacent but instead embrace the call to be saints, knowing that God’s grace is always available to guide and strengthen us on our journey.