Daily Readings - Wed Oct 25 2017
Romans
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!16Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Luke
39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk.46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with our faith. The first reading from Romans urges us not to let sin dominate our lives but instead to offer ourselves to God as instruments of justice. This passage, written by St. Paul, emphasizes the transformation that occurs through baptism, where we die to sin and rise to a new life in Christ. It calls us to live with purpose and integrity, recognizing that we are no longer bound by sin but are under God’s grace.
The Gospel from Luke reinforces this message through the parable of the faithful and prudent steward. Jesus teaches us to be vigilant and prepared for His return, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and responsibility. The steward who is diligent and faithful is rewarded, while the one who is negligent faces consequences. This parable is not just about the Second Coming but also about how we live each day. It challenges us to consider whether we are using the gifts, talents, and resources entrusted to us in a way that honors God.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our lives and our relationship with God. They remind us that our faith is not passive but active. We are called to live with intentionality, making choices that align with God’s will and being mindful of the accountability that comes with our faith. Let us strive to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, living each day with purpose, integrity, and a deep commitment to our Lord.