Daily Readings - Wed Oct 30 2019
Romans
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Luke
22Then Jesus went through the towns and villages, teaching as he made his way to Jerusalem.23Someone asked him, "Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?"24He said to them, "Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.25Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us.'"But he will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'26"Then you will say, 'We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.'27"But he will reply, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!'28"There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.29People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God.30Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God’s plan for our lives and the call to live with purpose and perseverance. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reassures us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us in our weakness, especially when we do not know how to pray. He reminds us that all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. This passage emphasizes the mysterious yet loving way God guides our lives, even when we cannot see the full picture. The Gospel, from Luke, shifts our focus to the urgency of living a life that aligns with God’s will. Jesus warns us about the narrow gate and the danger of complacency, reminding us that merely knowing or associating with him is not enough. True discipleship requires a commitment to live according to his teachings, even when the path is difficult. Those who persevere and remain faithful will find their place in the kingdom, while others may be surprised to find themselves outside.
Both readings remind us that God’s ways are not our ways, and his plan often exceeds our limited understanding. The Spirit’s intercession in Romans and the narrow gate in Luke both point to the mystery of God’s judgment and mercy. While we cannot fully grasp how he works, we are called to trust in his love and to live in a way that reflects our commitment to him. The narrow gate is not about earning salvation but about allowing our lives to be shaped by Christ’s teachings and values. The Spirit helps us in our weakness, but we must also strive to respond to God’s grace and to live as his saints.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our priorities and our relationship with God. Are we relying on the Spirit’s guidance, or are we trying to navigate life on our own? Are we striving to live a life of faith and virtue, or are we content with a superficial relationship with Christ? The good news is that God is always at work in our lives, calling us to deeper conversion and holiness. Let us embrace the narrow gate with courage and trust, knowing that the Spirit is with us every step of the way. May we not be complacent but instead live with purpose, trusting that all things will indeed work together for good as we follow him.