Daily Readings - Sun Jun 25 2017
Second Reading - Romans 5.12-15
Romans
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Gospel - Matthew 10.26-33
Matthew
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about sin, grace, and the courage to live our faith fearlessly. The Second Reading from Romans reminds us that through Adam, sin and death entered the world, but through Christ, God's grace abounds even more abundantly. This theological foundation underscores the transformative power of God's love. In the Gospel, Matthew shares Jesus' words of encouragement to His disciples, urging them not to fear persecution or death, for they are valued by God, who even knows the number of hairs on their heads. Jesus emphasizes that acknowledging Him before others will be reciprocated by the Father in heaven.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian experience. Paul, in Romans, contrasts Adam and Christ, highlighting the redemptive act of Jesus. This contrast serves as a theological underpinning for understanding the nature of sin and grace. In Matthew, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face, encouraging them to trust in God's providence and care. Together, these readings bridge the theological and the practical, offering both a understanding of God's plan and the courage to live it out.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are reminded to face challenges with faith, trusting in God's love and care. Just as the disciples were called to be bold, we too are called to live our faith openly, unafraid of what others may think or do. The moral lesson here is one of trust and courage—trusting in God's love and living as His children with confidence. Let us embrace this call, knowing we are valued and loved beyond measure, and let our lives reflect the grace we have received.