Daily Readings - Fri Jun 23 2017
1 John
7Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.8Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.9In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.10In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.13By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.15Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.16So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
Matthew
25At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children;26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.27All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of humility and love, which are central to our faith. The Second Reading from 1 John reminds us that love is not just a feeling but a divine gift from God, who is love itself. John emphasizes that to know God is to love one another, as love is the hallmark of being born of God. This letter, written to early Christians facing challenges, reinforces the importance of love amidst conflicts and false teachings, urging believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to one another.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this message with Jesus' invitation to humility. He reveals that divine truths are often understood by the simple-hearted rather than the wise, highlighting that spiritual insight comes from a humble and open heart. Jesus' words, spoken in a context of skepticism, encourage us to approach life with meekness, recognizing that our burdens can find rest in Him. His yoke, though it may seem heavy, is light because it is borne out of love and humility.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embrace humility and love actively. Recognizing our limitations and seeking God's guidance with a humble heart can lead us to deeper understanding and peace. Practicing love, even in challenging situations, reflects our commitment to follow Christ. The moral lesson here is clear: by embracing humility and love, we find the rest and peace promised by Jesus, living as true disciples in a world that often values the opposite. Let us strive to embody these virtues, knowing that in doing so, we draw closer to God and find fulfillment in our journey of faith.