Daily Readings - Tue Oct 24 2017
Romans
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned--13for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law.14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!16Again, the gift of God is not like the result of the one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.18Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.20The law was added so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Luke
35"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,36like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.37It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.38It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound connection between sin, grace, and our ultimate hope in Christ. The first reading from Romans explores the contrast between Adam’s disobedience and Christ’s obedience. Through Adam, sin and death entered the world, but through Christ, grace and justification abound. Paul emphasizes that while sin has its consequences, God’s grace is even more abundant, offering us life and justification. This passage invites us to reflect on the universal impact of sin and the superabundant gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Gospel from Luke complements this theme by urging us to live with vigilance and readiness. Jesus uses the image of servants awaiting their master’s return to stress the importance of being prepared for His coming. The servants who are found vigilant and faithful are blessed, for the master will serve them. This passage calls us to live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that our actions have eternal consequences. Together, the readings remind us that while sin and death are real, God’s grace and mercy are greater, and we are called to live in anticipation of eternal life.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider how we might apply their lessons to our daily lives. Are we living with the awareness that our choices have spiritual repercussions? Are we prepared to meet the Lord, not just at the end of time, but in the moments of our everyday lives? The readings encourage us to trust in God’s grace, to live with integrity, and to remain vigilant in our faith. May we embrace the gift of justification offered through Christ and strive to live as children of light, ready to welcome Him whenever He comes.