Daily Readings - Sun May 27 2018

³²Inquire concerning the days of antiquity, which were before you, from the day when God created man upon the earth, from one end of heaven to another, if anything similar has ever occurred, or whether any such thing has ever been known³³that a people would hear the voice of God, speaking from the midst of fire, just as you have heard it, and live³⁴whether God has acted so as to enter and take for himself a nation from the midst of the nations, by means of tests, signs, and wonders, by means of fighting, and a strong hand, and an outstretched arm, and terrible visions, in accord with all the things which the Lord your God has accomplished for you in Egypt, in the sight of your eyes³⁹Therefore, know on this day and consider in your heart, that the Lord himself is God in heaven above, and on earth below, and there is no other⁴⁰Keep his precepts and commandments, which I am teaching to you, so that it may be well with you, and with your sons after you, and so that you may remain for a long time upon the land, which the Lord your God will give to you.

Romans

Chapter 8

¹⁴For all those who are led by the Spirit of God are the sons of God¹⁵And you have not received, again, a spirit of servitude in fear, but you have received the Spirit of the adoption of sons, in whom we cry out: "Abba, Father!¹⁶For the Spirit himself renders testimony to our spirit that we are the sons of God¹⁷But if we are sons, then we are also heirs: certainly heirs of God, but also co-heirs with Christ, yet in such a way that, if we suffer with him, we shall also be glorified with him

Matthew

Chapter 28

¹⁶Now the eleven disciples went on to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them¹⁷And, seeing him, they worshipped him, but certain ones doubted¹⁸And Jesus, drawing near, spoke to them, saying: "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth¹⁹Therefore, go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit²⁰teaching them to observe all that I have ever commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, even to the consummation of the age.

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound relationship between God and humanity, as well as our mission as followers of Christ. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the unique and extraordinary ways God has acted in their history. He calls them to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and to keep His commandments, ensuring their well-being and fidelity to the covenant. This passage emphasizes the centrality of faith and obedience in our relationship with God. In the second reading from Romans, St. Paul deepens our understanding of this relationship by revealing that through baptism, we are not merely servants but sons and daughters of God. The Spirit of adoption allows us to cry out "Abba, Father!" and to share in Christ’s inheritance. This spiritual reality transforms our lives, as we are no longer bound by fear but empowered by the Spirit to live as children of God. Yet, Paul also reminds us that this adoption is not without its challenges; we are called to share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing that we will also share in His glory. The Gospel from Matthew brings these themes together as Jesus, after His resurrection, commissions the disciples to go forth and baptize all nations. This passage, known as the Great Commission, underscores our mission to spread the Good News and to teach others to follow Christ. Just as God was present with the Israelites in the wilderness and just as the Spirit is present within us, Jesus assures us of His constant presence "until the end of the age." Today’s readings remind us that our faith is not just a personal relationship but also a call to action. We are to live as children of God, trusting in His providence, and to share His love with a world in need. Let us embrace this mission with courage and joy, knowing that we are never alone.