Daily Readings - Wed Oct 25 2023
Romans
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.13Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness.14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!16Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
Luke
39But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.40You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."41Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?"42The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?43It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.44I tell you the truth, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.45But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the menservants and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk.46The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.47"That servant who knows his master's will and does not get ready or does not do what his master wants will be beaten with many blows.48But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our responsibility to live as faithful disciples. In the first reading from Romans, St. Paul reminds us that we are no longer slaves to sin but are called to live under grace. He urges us to offer our bodies as instruments of justice, not as tools for sin. This passage emphasizes the transformative power of baptism, which frees us from the dominion of sin and calls us to live in obedience to God’s will. We are not just passive recipients of grace; we are called to actively cooperate with it by living virtuous lives.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the importance of being prepared and faithful stewards. He uses the parable of the master who returns unexpectedly to emphasize the need for vigilance and responsibility. The faithful servant is the one who remains attentive to his duties and cares for the household entrusted to him. Jesus warns, however, that if a servant becomes complacent or abusive of his position, he will face severe consequences. This teaching extends beyond the parable to all of us, reminding us that we are stewards of the gifts, talents, and resources God has given us. Much is expected from those to whom much has been given.
These readings call us to examine our lives and ask: Are we living as faithful stewards of God’s grace and gifts? Are we prepared to meet the Lord when he comes, whether at the end of our lives or in the unexpected moments of grace? Let us strive to live with purpose and integrity, mindful that our choices have consequences. May we use our time, talents, and resources to build up the Kingdom of God, trusting in his mercy and striving to be faithful servants.