Daily Readings - Tue Oct 19 2021
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 explore the profound contrast between sin and grace, and the call to vigilant faithfulness. The first reading from Romans 5:12-21 presents a theological reflection on the entrance of sin through Adam and the superabundance of grace through Christ. Paul highlights that just as Adam's disobedience led to death, Christ's obedience brings justification and life. This passage underscores the universal impact of sin and the even greater power of God's grace.
The Gospel from Luke 12:35-38 shifts focus to the importance of preparedness and faithfulness. Jesus uses the metaphor of servants awaiting their master's return to emphasize the need for constant vigilance. The servants who are found ready when the master arrives are not only rewarded but also invited to share in a special relationship, where the master serves them. This passage invites us to reflect on our own readiness to meet the Lord, not out of fear, but out of love and commitment.
Together, these readings remind us that our actions have consequences, much like Adam's sin and Christ's grace. While sin leads to death, grace offers us life and justification. The call to be vigilant servants encourages us to live each day with purpose and integrity, recognizing that our choices impact not only ourselves but others. The moral lesson here is clear: we are called to embrace God's grace and live faithfully, knowing that our actions matter. Let us strive to be stewards of grace, living in gratitude and readiness for the Lord's return.