Daily Readings - Sun May 27 2018

³²For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?³³Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?³⁴Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?³⁹Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.⁴⁰Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.

Romans

Chapter 8

¹⁴For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.¹⁵For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.¹⁶The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:¹⁷And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Matthew

Chapter 28

¹⁶Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.¹⁷And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.¹⁸And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound relationship between God and humanity, as well as our mission as followers of Christ. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the unique and extraordinary ways God has acted in their history. He calls them to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and to keep His commandments, ensuring their well-being and fidelity to the covenant. This passage emphasizes the centrality of faith and obedience in our relationship with God. In the second reading from Romans, St. Paul deepens our understanding of this relationship by revealing that through baptism, we are not merely servants but sons and daughters of God. The Spirit of adoption allows us to cry out "Abba, Father!" and to share in Christ’s inheritance. This spiritual reality transforms our lives, as we are no longer bound by fear but empowered by the Spirit to live as children of God. Yet, Paul also reminds us that this adoption is not without its challenges; we are called to share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing that we will also share in His glory. The Gospel from Matthew brings these themes together as Jesus, after His resurrection, commissions the disciples to go forth and baptize all nations. This passage, known as the Great Commission, underscores our mission to spread the Good News and to teach others to follow Christ. Just as God was present with the Israelites in the wilderness and just as the Spirit is present within us, Jesus assures us of His constant presence "until the end of the age." Today’s readings remind us that our faith is not just a personal relationship but also a call to action. We are to live as children of God, trusting in His providence, and to share His love with a world in need. Let us embrace this mission with courage and joy, knowing that we are never alone.