Daily Readings - Sun Jun 21 2020
Jeremiah
10For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.11But the LORD is with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: their everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.12But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, and seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.13Sing unto the LORD, praise ye the LORD: for he hath delivered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers.
Romans
12Wherefore, 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:13For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.14Nevertheless 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.15But 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.
Matthew
26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.28And 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.29Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.32Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.33But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of trust in God, the reality of sin and grace, and the call to fearless discipleship. In the first reading from Jeremiah, the prophet expresses his suffering at the hands of persecutors but places his trust in God, who is his strong warrior. Jeremiah’s confidence in divine justice and deliverance reminds us that even in the midst of trials, God remains faithful and near. The second reading from Romans provides a theological framework for understanding the human condition. Paul explains how sin and death entered the world through Adam, but through Jesus Christ, grace has abounded even more generously. This passage underscores the profound truth that God’s mercy surpasses the consequences of sin. In the Gospel, Jesus instructs his disciples not to fear persecution or death, for nothing is hidden that will not be revealed. He assures them of God’s providential care, even in the smallest details of their lives, and encourages them to acknowledge him boldly before others.
These readings are deeply interconnected. Jeremiah’s trust in God despite persecution mirrors the Gospel’s call to fearlessness. Both remind us that our ultimate security lies not in human approval but in God’s faithfulness. The passage from Romans bridges these two, offering a theological foundation for why we can trust God: through Christ, grace has triumphed over sin and death. Together, the readings invite us to live with courage and hope, knowing that God’s plan of salvation is at work in our lives.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to trust in God’s providence, especially when we face challenges or uncertainties. Like Jeremiah, we may encounter opposition or misunderstanding, but we are called to remain steadfast in our faith. Like the disciples, we are reminded that our worth is not measured by the opinions of others but by the love of our heavenly Father. The moral lesson is clear: do not be afraid to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity. Trust in God’s justice, embrace his grace, and live with the confidence that you are loved and valued beyond measure. Let us pray for the courage to acknowledge Christ in all we do, knowing that he will acknowledge us before the Father in heaven.