Daily Readings - Sun May 30 2021

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 identity and mission as followers of Christ. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the unique and extraordinary way God has revealed Himself to them. He emphasizes that no other nation has experienced such direct and intimate encounters with the living God, who spoke from the midst of fire and delivered them with mighty deeds. This passage calls us to recognize the uniqueness of our God and the covenant He has established with us, urging us to remain faithful to His commandments. The second reading from Romans deepens this understanding by revealing our identity as children of God. Through Baptism, we have received the Spirit of adoption, which allows us to call God "Abba, Father." This Spirit not only assures us of our divine filiation but also unites us to Christ, making us co-heirs of His glory. However, this privilege comes with the responsibility of sharing in Christ’s sufferings, for it is through suffering that we are purified and prepared for the glory that awaits us. The Gospel from Matthew then expands our vision further, as Jesus commissions His disciples—and through them, us—to go forth and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Trinity and instructing them in His teachings. This Great Commission reminds us that our faith is not meant to be kept to ourselves but shared with the world. These readings challenge us to live with a sense of mission and purpose. As children of God, we are called to trust in His presence and guidance, even in the face of doubt or uncertainty. Like the disciples, we may sometimes waver in our faith, but Jesus assures us, "I am with you always." This promise strengthens us to embrace our role as witnesses of God’s love and truth in the world. Let us, therefore, strive to live lives marked by faith, hope, and love, remembering that we are not only heirs of God’s promises but also ambassadors of His kingdom, called to bring light and salvation to all.