Daily Readings for October 24, 2017

1ST READING

In today’s reading, certain phrase, “polloi mallon” in Greek, occurs twice, contrasting the greater power that Christ has in redeeming us from the power of sin. Paul’s mind is focused not on the power of Original Sin, but on the freedom we have through the work of Christ offering His life for our salvation. Let us stop glorifying sin in any way and start focusing where the real power is — in the life of faith in Christ.

Romans 5:12, 15, 17-19, 20-21

12 Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all men, inasmuch as all sinned. 15 If by that one person’s transgression the many died, how much more did the grace of God and the gracious gift of the one man Jesus Christ overflow for the many. 17 For if, by the transgression of one, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of justification come to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ. 18 In conclusion, just as through one transgression condemnation came upon all, so through one righteous act acquittal and life came to all. 19 For just as through the disobedience of the one the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one the many will be made righteous. 20 Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through justification for eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

P S A L M

Psalm 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 17

R: Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.

6 [7] Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not; 7 [8] then said I, “Behold I come.” (R) “In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, 8 [9] to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!” (R) 9 [10] I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know. (R) 16 [17] May all who seek you exult and be glad in you, and may those who love your salvation say ever, “The Lord be glorified.” (R)

GOSPEL

We never know when the Lord will ask us to do something for Him. The Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared!” should be our mindset as disciples. If God asks us to do something for the work of the Gospel, we should always be ready to say yes to Him. We need to take the call to discipleship seriously and work hard to deepen our faith and grow in holiness. Then we will experience more and more the wonders that God works through His people.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Be vigilant at all times and pray that you may have the strength to stand before the Son of Man.

Luke 12:35-38

35 Jesus said to his disciples: “Gird your loins and light your lamps 36 and be like servants who await their master’s return from a wedding, ready to open immediately when he comes and knocks. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant on his arrival. Amen, I say to you, he will gird himself, have them recline at table, and proceed to wait on them. 38 And should he come in the second or third watch and find them prepared in this way, blessed are those servants.”