Daily Readings - Wed Nov 30 2022
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 are reminded of the power of faith and the call to follow Christ. The first reading from Romans emphasizes that salvation comes through confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection. Paul highlights that faith is not limited to any particular group but is universal, available to all who hear and respond to the Word of God. He also underscores the importance of preaching and hearing the Gospel, for it is through this that faith is born. The Gospel from Matthew illustrates this beautifully as Jesus calls His first disciples—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John. Without hesitation, they leave their nets and their livelihoods behind to follow Him, demonstrating a radical trust in His call.
The connection between the readings lies in the theme of hearing and responding to God’s Word. In Romans, Paul explains that faith comes from hearing, and in Matthew, the disciples hear Jesus’ call and act immediately. This highlights the importance of being attentive to God’s voice and being willing to take steps of faith, even when it requires sacrifice. The disciples’ prompt response shows that true discipleship involves surrender and trust, not just intellectual assent.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Am I truly listening to God’s Word in my life? Am I willing to respond with the same courage and trust as the disciples? Following Christ may not always be easy, but it is in surrendering our plans and desires to Him that we find true purpose and fulfillment. Let us pray for the grace to hear His voice clearly and to follow Him without hesitation, trusting that He will guide us to a life of abundant joy and service.