Daily Readings - Wed Oct 25 2017

First Reading - Romans 6.12-18

¹²Therefore, let not sin reign in your mortal body, such that you would obey its desires¹³Nor should you offer the parts of your body as instruments of iniquity for sin. Instead, offer yourselves to God, as if you were living after death, and offer the parts of your body as instruments of justice for God¹⁴For sin should not have dominion over you. For you are not under the law, but under grace¹⁵What is next? Should we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? Let it not be so¹⁶Do you not know to whom you are offering yourselves as servants under obedience? You are the servants of whomever you obey: whether of sin, unto death, or of obedience, unto justice¹⁷But thanks be to God that, though you used to be the servants of sin, now you have been obedient from the heart to the very form of the doctrine into which you have been received¹⁸And having been freed from sin, we have become servants of justice

Gospel - Luke 12.39-48

Luke

Chapter 12

³⁹But know this: that if the father of the family knew at what hour the thief would arrive, he would certainly stand watch, and he would not permit his house to be broken into⁴⁰You also must be prepared. For the Son of man will return at an hour that you will not realize.⁴¹Then Peter said to him, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or also to everyone?⁴²So the Lord said: "Who do you think is the faithful and prudent steward, whom his Lord has appointed over his family, in order to give them their measure of wheat in due time⁴³Blessed is that servant if, when his Lord will return, he will find him acting in this manner⁴⁴Truly I say to you, that he will appoint him over all that he possesses⁴⁵But if that servant will have said in his heart, ‘My Lord has made a delay in his return,’ and if he has begun to strike the men and women servants, and to eat and drink, and to be inebriated⁴⁶then the Lord of that servant will return on a day which he hoped not, and at an hour which he knew not. And he will separate him, and he will place his portion with that of the unfaithful⁴⁷And that servant, who knew the will of his Lord, and who did not prepare and did not act according to his will, will be beaten many times over⁴⁸Yet he who did not know, and who acted in a way that deserves a beating, will be beaten fewer times. So then, of all to whom much has been given, much will be required. And of those to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be asked

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are reminded of the profound responsibility that comes with our faith. The first reading from Romans urges us not to let sin dominate our lives but instead to offer ourselves to God as instruments of justice. This passage, written by St. Paul, emphasizes the transformation that occurs through baptism, where we die to sin and rise to a new life in Christ. It calls us to live with purpose and integrity, recognizing that we are no longer bound by sin but are under God’s grace. The Gospel from Luke reinforces this message through the parable of the faithful and prudent steward. Jesus teaches us to be vigilant and prepared for His return, highlighting the importance of faithfulness and responsibility. The steward who is diligent and faithful is rewarded, while the one who is negligent faces consequences. This parable is not just about the Second Coming but also about how we live each day. It challenges us to consider whether we are using the gifts, talents, and resources entrusted to us in a way that honors God. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our lives and our relationship with God. They remind us that our faith is not passive but active. We are called to live with intentionality, making choices that align with God’s will and being mindful of the accountability that comes with our faith. Let us strive to be faithful stewards of all that God has entrusted to us, living each day with purpose, integrity, and a deep commitment to our Lord.