Daily Readings - Sun Jun 21 2020

¹⁰For I heard the insults of many, and terror all around: ‘Persecute him!’ and, ‘Let us persecute him!’ from all the men who had been at peace with me and who had kept watch by my side. ‘If only there were some way that he might be deceived, and we might prevail against him and obtain vengeance from him!¹¹But the Lord is with me, like a strong warrior. For this reason, those who persecute me will fall, and they will be ineffective. They will be greatly confounded. For they have not understood the everlasting disgrace that will never be wiped away¹²And you, O Lord of hosts, the Tester of the just, who sees the temperament and the heart: I beg you to let me see your vengeance upon them. For I have revealed my case to you¹³Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For he has freed the soul of the poor from the hand of the wicked

Romans

Chapter 5

¹²Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into this world, and through sin, death; so also death was transferred to all men, to all who have sinned¹³For even before the law, sin was in the world, but sin was not imputed while the law did not exist¹⁴Yet death reigned from Adam until Moses, even in those who have not sinned, in the likeness of the transgression of Adam, who is a figure of him who was to come¹⁵But the gift is not entirely like the offense. For though by the offense of one, many died, yet much more so, by the grace of one man, Jesus Christ, has the grace and gift of God abounded to many

Matthew

Chapter 10

²⁶Therefore, do not fear them. For nothing is covered that shall not be revealed, nor hidden that shall not be known²⁷What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. And what you hear whispered in the ear, preach above the rooftops²⁸And do not be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But instead fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Hell²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for one small coin? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father³⁰For even the hairs of your head have all been numbered³¹Therefore, do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows³²Therefore, everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father, who is in heaven³³But whoever will have denied me before men, I also will deny before my Father, who is in heaven

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust in God, the reality of sin and grace, and the call to fearless discipleship. In the first reading from Jeremiah, the prophet expresses his suffering at the hands of persecutors but places his trust in God, who is his strong warrior. Jeremiah’s confidence in divine justice and deliverance reminds us that even in the midst of trials, God remains faithful and near. The second reading from Romans provides a theological framework for understanding the human condition. Paul explains how sin and death entered the world through Adam, but through Jesus Christ, grace has abounded even more generously. This passage underscores the profound truth that God’s mercy surpasses the consequences of sin. In the Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples not to fear persecution or death, for nothing is hidden that will not be revealed. He assures them of God’s providential care, even in the smallest details of their lives, and encourages them to acknowledge him boldly before others. These readings are deeply interconnected. Jeremiah’s trust in God despite persecution mirrors the Gospel’s call to fearlessness. Both remind us that our ultimate security lies not in human approval but in God’s faithfulness. The passage from Romans bridges these two, offering a theological foundation for why we can trust God: through Christ, grace has triumphed over sin and death. Together, the readings invite us to live with courage and hope, knowing that God’s plan of salvation is at work in our lives. In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to trust in God’s providence, especially when we face challenges or uncertainties. Like Jeremiah, we may encounter opposition or misunderstanding, but we are called to remain steadfast in our faith. Like the disciples, we are reminded that our worth is not measured by the opinions of others but by the love of our heavenly Father. The moral lesson is clear: do not be afraid to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Trust in God’s justice, embrace his grace, and live with the confidence that you are loved and valued beyond measure. Let us pray for the courage to acknowledge Christ in all we do, knowing that he will acknowledge us before the Father in heaven.