Daily Readings - Tue Nov 30 2021
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to follow Jesus and the universal offer of salvation through faith. In Romans 10:9-18, St. Paul emphasizes that confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection leads to salvation. He highlights that faith comes from hearing the Word of God, stressing the importance of spreading the Gospel to all people. The passage underscores that everyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to be saved, and it is through hearing the Word that faith is kindled.
In Matthew 4:18-22, we witness Jesus calling the first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John. These fishermen immediately leave their nets and follow Him, demonstrating a prompt and total response to His invitation. Their actions show trust and willingness to embark on a new journey with Jesus, leaving behind their familiar lives. This passage illustrates the transformative power of responding to God's call without hesitation.
These readings remind us that we, too, are called to follow Jesus. Like the disciples, we are invited to trust in God's plan and be open to His invitations in our lives. St. Paul's words encourage us to share the Gospel with others, recognizing that faith begins with hearing the Word. In our daily lives, we are called to respond courageously to God's call, whether it means making significant life changes or simply being open to His will. Let us embrace this call with faith and enthusiasm, trusting that God will guide us on our journey.