Daily Readings - Mon Nov 30 2020
Romans
9because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.10For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.11For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame."12For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.13For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."14But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?15And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?"17So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.18But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for "Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world."
Matthew
18While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.19And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."20Immediately they left their nets and followed him.21And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.22Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore the themes of faith, response to God's call, and the responsibility to share the Gospel. The first reading from Romans emphasizes that salvation comes through confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. It highlights the importance of spreading the Word, as faith comes from hearing the message of Christ. The Gospel from Matthew illustrates this call to action through the story of Jesus calling the first disciples, who immediately left their nets to follow Him, demonstrating a prompt and committed response to God's invitation.
Both readings are set in the context of early Christianity. Romans is part of Paul's discussion on salvation, addressing both Jews and Gentiles, while Matthew's passage marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry, showing the gathering of His disciples. Together, they underscore the dual aspects of faith: believing in Christ and actively following Him. The connection between the readings lies in their emphasis on response—faith in Romans and the practical following in Matthew—highlighting the call to both believe and act.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our response to God's call. It is not enough to have faith; we must also act on it, trusting God and being willing to make sacrifices. Additionally, we are reminded of our responsibility to share the Gospel, ensuring that others can hear and believe. The moral lesson here is the necessity of faith coupled with action, demonstrating true commitment to following Christ and spreading His message. Let us strive to be open to God's call, trusting in His plan and actively living out our faith.