Daily Readings - Sun May 27 2018
Deuteronomy
32"For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of.33Did any people ever hear the voice of a god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live?34Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, and by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great deeds of terror, all of which the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?39know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.40Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time."
Romans
14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!"16The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,17and if children, then heirs--heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Matthew
16Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them.17And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted.18And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end 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.