Daily Readings - Sun May 30 2021

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 identity and mission as followers of Christ. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the unique and extraordinary way God has revealed Himself to them. He emphasizes that no other nation has experienced such direct and intimate encounters with the living God, who spoke from the midst of fire and delivered them with mighty deeds. This passage calls us to recognize the uniqueness of our God and the covenant He has established with us, urging us to remain faithful to His commandments. The second reading from Romans deepens this understanding by revealing our identity as children of God. Through Baptism, we have received the Spirit of adoption, which allows us to call God "Abba, Father." This Spirit not only assures us of our divine filiation but also unites us to Christ, making us co-heirs of His glory. However, this privilege comes with the responsibility of sharing in Christ’s sufferings, for it is through suffering that we are purified and prepared for the glory that awaits us. The Gospel from Matthew then expands our vision further, as Jesus commissions His disciples—and through them, us—to go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Trinity and instructing them in His teachings. This Great Commission reminds us that our faith is not meant to be kept to ourselves but shared with the world. These readings challenge us to live with a sense of mission and purpose. As children of God, we are called to trust in His presence and guidance, even in the face of doubt or uncertainty. Like the disciples, we may sometimes waver in our faith, but Jesus assures us, "I am with you always." This promise strengthens us to embrace our role as witnesses of God’s love and truth in the world. Let us, therefore, strive to live lives marked by faith, hope, and love, remembering that we are not only heirs of God’s promises but also ambassadors of His kingdom, called to bring light and salvation to all.