Daily Readings - Tue Oct 24 2023
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 are reminded of the profound connection between sin, grace, and our ultimate union with God. The first reading from Romans 5:12-21 explores the origin of sin and death through Adam, contrasting it with the abundant grace and life offered through Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes that just as sin entered the world through one man, so too did redemption come through one man, Jesus. The reading highlights the superabundance of God’s grace, which far exceeds the consequences of sin. This passage invites us to reflect on the universal impact of sin and the even greater gift of salvation made available to all through Christ.
The Gospel from Luke 12:35-38 shifts our focus to the call to vigilance and readiness. Jesus uses the parable of servants awaiting their master’s return to emphasize the importance of being prepared for His coming. The servants who are found watchful and faithful are blessed, as the master will serve them in a reversal of roles. This passage reminds us that our lives should be lived with an awareness of God’s presence and a readiness to meet Him at any moment. It encourages us to live with purpose, integrity, and a constant mindfulness of our ultimate goal: eternal life with God.
Together, these readings call us to live in the tension between the reality of sin and the hope of redemption. While sin and death entered the world through Adam, Christ’s obedience and grace have opened the way to justification and eternal life. The Gospel’s call to vigilance reminds us that our response to this grace should be a life of faithfulness and readiness. In our daily lives, this means embracing the gift of salvation with gratitude, living with integrity, and staying attentive to God’s presence. Let us trust in the superabundance of God’s grace and strive to live as children of light, ever-prepared to meet the Lord who comes to us in unexpected ways.