Daily Readings - Thu Oct 30 2025
Romans
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all--how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Luke
31At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, "Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you."32He replied, "Go tell that fox, 'I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.'33In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day--for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!34"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!35Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound assurance of God's unwavering love and the steadfast commitment required in following Christ. The first reading from Romans 8:31b-39 reassures us that nothing can separate us from God's love, not even the challenges we face. This passage, part of Paul's extensive discussion on the relationship between believers and God, emphasizes faith and perseverance. It underscores that with God on our side, we are empowered to overcome all adversities.
The Gospel from Luke 13:31-35 presents Jesus resolutely continuing His mission despite the danger posed by Herod. This narrative, set during Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, highlights His divine purpose and sorrow for those who reject His message. Jesus' lament over Jerusalem reflects His deep compassion and the heart of a loving Father, urging us to embrace His will.
These readings connect in their themes of trust and perseverance. Romans provides the theological foundation, while Luke illustrates this through Jesus' example. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's providence, even amidst trials, and to emulate Jesus' compassion. The moral lesson is clear: trust in God's plan, persevere in faith, and live with the same love and dedication Jesus showed, even in the face of adversity.