Daily Readings - Sun May 30 2021
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 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.