Daily Readings - Sun Jul 02 2017
Second Reading - Romans 6.3-4, 8-11
Romans
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Gospel - Matthew 10.37-42
Matthew
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Sermon
In today's readings, we delve into profound truths about our commitment to Christ and the transformative power of faith. The second reading from Romans reminds us that through baptism, we are united with Christ's death and resurrection, signifying our liberation from sin's grasp. This sacred ritual isn't merely symbolic; it's a covenant that calls us to a new life, one where we walk in the light of Christ, free from sin's dominion.
The Gospel from Matthew challenges us to prioritize our love for Jesus above all earthly ties. Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship requires carrying our cross, embracing sacrifices for His sake. This isn't about self-denial for its own sake, but about aligning our hearts with His will. The passage also highlights the importance of hospitality and compassion, even in small acts, as reflections of our love for Him.
These readings converge on the theme of commitment. Baptism in Romans is a sacramental commitment to a sin-free life, while Matthew's Gospel calls us to a radical, daily commitment to follow Christ. In our lives, this means embracing our baptismal vows anew each day and prioritizing Jesus in our decisions. It's about recognizing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, is a testament to our faith. Let us reflect on how we can live out this commitment, not just in grand gestures, but in the simple, everyday choices that reflect our love for Christ.