Daily Readings - Wed Oct 27 2021
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
In today's readings, we are presented with profound insights into God's plan and our response to it. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the Spirit's role in our lives, particularly in our weaknesses. Paul assures us that the Spirit intercedes for us, even when we do not know how to pray. This passage is part of a larger discussion about suffering and the benefits of being in Christ, emphasizing that all things work together for good for those who love God. It highlights the process of being called, justified, and glorified, underscoring God's sovereign plan in our lives.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to Jesus' teaching on the narrow gate. Jesus warns that many will seek to enter the kingdom but will not be able to, urging us to strive to enter through the narrow gate. This passage, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, emphasizes the necessity of commitment and the reality of judgment. It serves as a call to live a life that reflects true devotion to Christ, not merely in words but in actions.
Together, these readings balance divine grace with human responsibility. Romans encourages us to trust in the Spirit's guidance and God's plan, while Luke's Gospel calls us to authentic faith and perseverance. In our daily lives, this means relying on the Spirit's help, especially in prayer, and living out our faith sincerely. The moral lesson is one of trust and responsibility: trusting in God's plan while taking personal responsibility to live according to His will. It is a call to humility, perseverance, and genuine faith, reminding us that our commitment to Christ will ultimately determine our place in His kingdom.