Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 11, 2019
First Reading: Acts 11.21b-26; 13.1-3
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
1Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.3And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
Psalm 98
1O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvellous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.2The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen.3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel: all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.4Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.5Sing unto the LORD with the harp; with the harp, and the voice of a psalm.6With trumpets and sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the LORD, the King.7Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.8Let the floods clap their hands: let the hills be joyful together9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.
Gospel: Matthew 10.7-13
7And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.9Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,10Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat.11And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.12And when ye come into an house, salute it.13And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the power of faith, the importance of community, and the call to trust in God’s providence. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community thriving in Antioch, where Barnabas and Saul are called by the Holy Spirit to embark on a mission. This passage highlights the unity and purpose of the Church, as well as the Spirit’s guidance in sending forth missionaries to spread the Good News. The Gospel from Matthew complements this by showing Jesus sending out his disciples to preach and heal, instructing them to trust in God’s provision and not be burdened by material possessions. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own call to live with faith, simplicity, and a willingness to serve others.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early days of Christianity, when the Church was growing rapidly and facing new challenges. In Acts, the Church at Antioch represents a moment of transition, as Gentiles (non-Jews) are being welcomed into the faith, and the mission to the wider world is beginning. Matthew’s Gospel, on the other hand, captures Jesus’ instructions to his disciples as he prepares them to continue his work after he is gone. Both readings emphasize the importance of trusting in God’s plan and being open to the Spirit’s leading, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to live with greater faith and generosity. Like the disciples in Matthew’s Gospel, we are called to step out in trust, knowing that God will provide what we need. This doesn’t mean we should be careless or irresponsible, but rather that we should not let fear or attachment to material things hold us back from serving others and sharing the Good News. Similarly, the example of Barnabas and Saul in Acts encourages us to be open to new opportunities and to work together as a community, supporting one another in our shared mission.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Am I living with the kind of faith and trust that God desires? Am I open to the Spirit’s leading in my life? How can I simplify my life and focus more on serving others and sharing the love of Christ? May we, like the early Christians, be filled with joy, courage, and a resolute heart as we follow the Lord.