Daily Readings - Mon May 20 2024
First Reading - Genesis 3.9-15, 20 or Acts 1.12-14
Genesis
9But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, "Where are you?"10And he said, "I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself."11He said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?"12The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate."13Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this that you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."14The LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.15I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel."20The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.
Acts
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.13And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.14All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
John
25but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Woman, behold, your son!"27Then he said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments from Scripture that invite us to reflect on the human condition and God's plan of salvation. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Adam and Eve after they have eaten the forbidden fruit. Their actions lead to a confrontation with God, where each tries to shift blame—Adam to Eve, and Eve to the serpent. This narrative sets the stage for the fallen state of humanity and the introduction of redemption through the promised enmity between the serpent's offspring and the woman's. Adam then names Eve, acknowledging her role as the mother of all living beings.
The Gospel reading from John presents a poignant scene at the cross. As Jesus faces his final moments, he ensures the care of his mother, Mary, by entrusting her to the beloved disciple. This act underscores Jesus' compassion and the significance of familial bonds, even amidst suffering. It also highlights Mary's role as a mother figure in the early Christian community, symbolizing the Church's nurturing role.
These readings connect through their portrayal of mother figures—Eve, the first mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both stories touch on themes of redemption and the consequences of human actions. Eve's story introduces original sin and the promise of a savior, while Mary's story embodies the fulfillment of that promise. The connection between these narratives reminds us of God's enduring plan and the transformative power of love and sacrifice.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace responsibility for our actions and to trust in God's providence. They remind us of the importance of family and the role of mothers in nurturing life and faith. The moral lesson here is one of redemption and love—despite our failures, God's plan prevails, offering us grace and the hope of salvation. As we reflect on these stories, may we find strength in our faith and strive to live out God's love in our own families and communities.