FIRST READING
A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 5:12.15b.17-19.20b-21)
“If, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned, much more will those who receive grace reign in life.”
Brethren: As sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. If, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Then as one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous. Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm40:7-8a.8b-9.10.17 (R. see8a.9a)
R/. See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.
You delight not in sacrifice and offerings,
but in an open ear.
You do not ask for holocaust and victim.
Then I said, “See, I have come.” R/.
In the scroll of the book it stands written of me:
“I delight to do your will, O my God;
Your instruction lies deep within me.” R/.
R/. See, I have come, Lord, to do your will.
Your justice I have proclaimed in the great assembly.
My lips I have not sealed; you know it, O Lord. R/.
O let there be rejoicing and gladness
for all who seek you.
Let them ever say, “The Lord is great,”
Who long for your salvation. R/.
ALLELUIA Luke21:36
Alleluia. Watch at all times, praying that you may be able to stand before the Son of man. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke12:35-38)
“Blessed are those servants whom. The master finds awake when he comes.”
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “Let your loins be girded and your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the marriage feast, so that they may open to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds wake when he comes; truly, I say to you, he will put on his apron and have them sit at table, and he will come and serve them. If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them so, blessed are those servants!”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
To stay awake means to be alert, to watch, and be very conscious of one’s environment and the events happening around one. Staying awake is the duty of every Christian. We stay awake through a conscious effort to love God and our neighbour as ourselves and keep his commandments. When a Christian is awake, sin will find it difficult to reign in his life. A Christian awake is a battle-ready Christian. Soldier who is battle ready cannot be taken unawares by any emergency. A Christian who is awake is alert to the things that weigh the spirit down through sin and is ever ready to work on them; he does everything in his power to honour God and keep his commandments. A Christian awake bears the fruits expected of him in all seasons. These fruits are manifested in good works through good human relationships. A Christian awake does not swim in sin. A Christian awake is truthful, honest, committed, and faithful. A Christian awake does not glory in the misfortune of others but rather, feels pity for them and, if possible, does something to help them.