First Reading | Romans 5:12, 15, 17-19, 20-21
When we read Romans 5, we discover the texts that have helped us understand Original Sin.
This chapter presents Jesus and His victory over sin and death as greater and more powerful than anything sin have done or can do.
For Paul, whatever evil sin has accomplished, Jesus has accomplished even more through His obedience to the Father’s will.
12 Brothers and sisters: Through one man sin entered the world, and through sin, death, and thus death came to all, 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 person, death came to reign through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of 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 one man the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of 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.
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 40:7-8, 8-9, 10, 17
R: Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.
7 Sacrifice or oblation you wished not, but ears open to obedience you gave me. Burnt offerings or sin-offerings you sought not; 8 then said I, “Behold I come.” (R)
“In the written scroll it is prescribed for me, 9 to do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is within my heart!” (R)
10 I announced your justice in the vast assembly; I did not restrain my lips, as you, O Lord, know. (R)
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)
When will Jesus come again? Only the Father knows.
So, let us be prepared for His return at all times. We cannot assume that there will be another tomorrow.
Jesus will come again like a thief in the night. Today’s Gospel reminds us to grow in holiness and service of the Lord and prepare for the day we stand before God and give an account of how we lived.
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 the 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.”
