Daily Readings - Wed Jun 11 2025
Acts
21And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.22The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.23When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose,24for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.25So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,26and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
1Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a member of the court of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."3Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.
Matthew
7And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.9Acquire no gold nor silver nor copper for your belts,10no bag for your journey, nor two tunics nor sandals nor a staff, for the laborer deserves his food.11And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart.12As you enter the house, greet it.13And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are reminded of the power of faith and the call to live generously. The first reading from Acts describes the early Christian community in Antioch, where the Church was growing rapidly. Barnabas and Saul, guided by the Holy Spirit, were sent out on a mission, trusting in God’s providence. This passage highlights the importance of community, discernment, and obedience to the Spirit. The Gospel from Matthew continues this theme as Jesus instructs his disciples to preach, heal, and trust in God’s provision, emphasizing that those who labor for the kingdom will be sustained.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God and our willingness to live simply and generously. In Acts, the Church at Antioch was filled with joy and faith, and they shared their resources freely. Similarly, in Matthew, Jesus calls us to let go of material concerns and focus on the mission of spreading the kingdom. This doesn’t mean we should be careless but rather that we should trust in God’s goodness and provision.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust God enough to let go of our need for control or security? Are we willing to share our time, talents, and resources with others? The moral lesson here is clear: faith and generosity go hand in hand. May we, like the early Christians, live with open hearts and hands, trusting that God will provide as we serve others in love.