Daily Readings - Fri Jun 23 2017
Second Reading - 1 John 4.7-16
1 John
7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
Gospel - Matthew 11.25-30
Matthew
25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.26Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the essence of humility and love, which are central to our faith. The Second Reading from 1 John reminds us that love is not just a feeling but a divine gift from God, who is love itself. John emphasizes that to know God is to love one another, as love is the hallmark of being born of God. This letter, written to early Christians facing challenges, reinforces the importance of love amidst conflicts and false teachings, urging believers to remain steadfast in their commitment to one another.
The Gospel from Matthew complements this message with Jesus' invitation to humility. He reveals that divine truths are often understood by the simple-hearted rather than the wise, highlighting that spiritual insight comes from a humble and open heart. Jesus' words, spoken in a context of skepticism, encourage us to approach life with meekness, recognizing that our burdens can find rest in Him. His yoke, though it may seem heavy, is light because it is borne out of love and humility.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embrace humility and love actively. Recognizing our limitations and seeking God's guidance with a humble heart can lead us to deeper understanding and peace. Practicing love, even in challenging situations, reflects our commitment to follow Christ. The moral lesson here is clear: by embracing humility and love, we find the rest and peace promised by Jesus, living as true disciples in a world that often values the opposite. Let us strive to embody these virtues, knowing that in doing so, we draw closer to God and find fulfillment in our journey of faith.