Daily Readings - Wed Oct 29 2025
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 encounter two profound reflections on God’s plan and our response to it. The first reading from Romans reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives, especially in our weaknesses. St. Paul reassures us that even when we do not know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us, aligning our deepest longings with God’s will. He also speaks of the divine plan: those whom God foreknew, he predestined, called, justified, and glorified. This passage is a beautiful summary of God’s loving providence and our ultimate destiny in Christ.
The Gospel from Luke shifts our focus to the urgency of living a life that reflects our commitment to God. Jesus is asked about the number of those who will be saved, and he responds by emphasizing the narrow gate. Many will seek to enter but will not be able, not because God is exclusive, but because we must strive to live in a way that aligns with his will. The image of the door being shut and the Master saying, “I do not know where you are from,” is a stark reminder that mere familiarity with God is not enough. We must act with faith, love, and justice to inherit the kingdom.
These readings are deeply connected. Romans assures us that God is always working for our good, even when we are weak, while Luke’s Gospel challenges us to respond to this grace with perseverance and fidelity. Together, they invite us to trust in God’s plan while also taking responsibility for our spiritual lives. In daily life, this means prayerfully discerning God’s will, relying on the Spirit’s help, and living with intentionality—striving to enter through the narrow gate by prioritizing love, humility, and holiness. Let us not grow complacent but instead embrace the call to be saints, knowing that God’s grace is always available to guide and strengthen us on our journey.