Daily Readings - Tue Oct 26 2021
Romans
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.19The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed.20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope21that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has?25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Luke
18Then Jesus asked, "What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?19It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches."20Again he asked, "What shall I compare the kingdom of God to?21It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of hope, transformation, and the Kingdom of God. The first reading from Romans reminds us that our current struggles are but a prelude to the glory that awaits us. Paul assures us that creation itself groans in anticipation of redemption, and we, as believers, wait with patient hope for the full revelation of our adoption as children of God. This hope is not in what we see but in what we trust will come to be.
The Gospel from Luke offers us two parables that illustrate the nature of the Kingdom of God. The mustard seed, though small, grows into a mighty tree, and the leaven, though hidden, transforms the entire dough. These parables teach us that the Kingdom begins inconspicuously but leads to profound transformation. Just as the seed and leaven work quietly yet powerfully, our faith, even in small acts, can have a transformative impact.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded to trust in God’s plan, even when our current circumstances seem challenging. Like the mustard seed and leaven, our faith can grow and influence the world around us. Let us embrace hope, knowing that our patience and trust in God will lead to a future filled with glory and transformation. May we live each day contributing to the growth of God’s Kingdom, inspired by the promise that even the smallest beginnings can lead to extraordinary outcomes.