Daily Readings - Sun Mar 31 2019
Joshua
9And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you. Wherefore the name of the place is called Gilgal unto this day.10And the children of Israel encamped in Gilgal, and kept the passover on the fourteenth day of the month at even in the plains of Jericho.11And they did eat of the old corn of the land on the morrow after the passover, unleavened cakes, and parched corn in the selfsame day.12And the manna ceased on the morrow after they had eaten of the old corn of the land; neither had the children of Israel manna any more; but they did eat of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.
2 Corinthians
17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Luke
1Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.2And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.3And he spake this parable unto them, saying,11And he said, A certain man had two sons:12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!18I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,19And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.20And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.21And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.22But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:23And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.25Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.26And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.27And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.28And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.29And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:30But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of renewal, reconciliation, and the boundless love of God. In the first reading from Joshua, we see the Israelites celebrating the Passover in the Promised Land, marking their transition from a life of slavery in Egypt to a life of freedom and covenant with God. This moment signifies not only a geographical change but also a spiritual one, as they leave behind the manna of the wilderness and begin to eat the fruit of the land, symbolizing their new relationship with God.
In the second reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul emphasizes the transformative power of God’s grace. He writes that in Christ, we are made new, and the old has passed away. This newness is not just a personal transformation but also a call to participate in the ministry of reconciliation. God has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation, and we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, inviting others to return to God. This reading reminds us that our faith is not just about personal salvation but also about being instruments of God’s love and mercy in the world.
The Gospel from Luke presents one of the most iconic parables of Jesus, the story of the Prodigal Son. This parable is a profound expression of God’s mercy and love. The younger son, who squanders his inheritance and hits rock bottom, returns home in humility, expecting only to be treated as a servant. Yet, the father’s response is one of unbounded compassion and forgiveness. He runs to meet his son, embraces him, and celebrates his return. This parable teaches us that God’s love is not conditional; it is not based on our worthiness but on His infinite mercy. The elder son’s resentment, on the other hand, reminds us that we must also learn to forgive and rejoice in the goodness of God, even when others receive His mercy.
These readings together call us to reflect on our own relationship with God and with others. Are we open to the newness of life that God offers us? Are we willing to let go of the past and embrace the present moment as an opportunity for renewal? The story of the Prodigal Son challenges us to examine our hearts: do we approach God with the humility and trust of the younger son, or do we harbor the resentment of the elder son?
In our daily lives, we are called to live as ambassadors of reconciliation, sharing the Good News of God’s love and mercy with others. This means being open to conversion, seeking forgiveness when we fail, and extending forgiveness to those who wrong us. Let us ask ourselves: Where do I need to experience renewal in my life? How can I be an instrument of God’s love and reconciliation in my family, community, and world?
The moral lesson of today’s readings is clear: God’s love is always greater than our sin, and His mercy is always available to us. Let us turn to Him with humble hearts, trusting in His boundless love and allowing Him to make us new. As we do so, may we also become bearers of His love and forgiveness to a world in need of reconciliation.