Daily Readings - Sun Jun 25 2023

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

In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on trust, grace, and courage in the face of adversity. The prophet Jeremiah, despite facing persecution and betrayal, places his trust in God, who he knows is his strength. Jeremiah's situation reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God is ever-present, offering us the courage to persevere. In the second reading, St. Paul explains the profound impact of sin and redemption. Through Adam, sin entered the world, leading to death, but through Christ, grace abounds. This passage highlights the transformative power of God's grace, which surpasses the effects of sin. It encourages us to trust in God's plan of salvation and to live with hope, knowing that His grace is always available to us. In the Gospel, Jesus instructs His disciples not to fear persecution or death, for they are valued by God. He calls them to acknowledge Him publicly, promising His own acknowledgment before the Father. This teaching challenges us to be bold in our faith, trusting in God's providence and care. Like the sparrows, we are known and loved by God, and we should not fear, for we are worth more than many sparrows. These readings remind us to trust in God's presence and grace, especially in difficult times. May we, like Jeremiah, place our trust in the Lord, and may we, like the disciples, courageously acknowledge Jesus in our lives. Let us live with hope and faith, knowing that God's grace is always sufficient.