Daily Readings - Thu Oct 30 2025
Romans
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke
31The same day there came certain of the Pharisees, saying unto him, Get thee out, and depart hence: for Herod will kill thee.32And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.33Nevertheless I must walk to day, and to morrow, and the day following: for it cannot be that a prophet perish out of Jerusalem.34O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!35Behold, your house is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound assurance of God's unwavering love and the steadfast commitment required in following Christ. The first reading from Romans 8:31b-39 reassures us that nothing can separate us from God's love, not even the challenges we face. This passage, part of Paul's extensive discussion on the relationship between believers and God, emphasizes faith and perseverance. It underscores that with God on our side, we are empowered to overcome all adversities.
The Gospel from Luke 13:31-35 presents Jesus resolutely continuing His mission despite the danger posed by Herod. This narrative, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, highlights His divine purpose and sorrow for those who reject His message. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reflects His deep compassion and the heart of a loving Father, urging us to embrace His will.
These readings connect in their themes of trust and perseverance. Romans provides the theological foundation, while Luke illustrates this through Jesus' example. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's providence, even amidst trials, and to emulate Jesus' compassion. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's plan, persevere in faith, and live with the same love and dedication Jesus showed, even in the face of adversity.