Daily Readings - Sat Apr 08 2023
Genesis
1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them.28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.29And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.30And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so.31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.
Romans
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.7For he that is dead is freed from sin.8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Matthew
1In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.2And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it.3His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow:4And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.5And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.6He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.7And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you.8And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.9And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.10Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me.
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through creation, transformation, and resurrection, each offering a profound message about our purpose and identity in God's plan.
The first reading from Genesis reminds us that we are created in God's image, entrusted with dominion over the earth. This passage establishes our role as stewards of creation, highlighting the dignity and responsibility inherent in being human. It sets the stage for understanding our place within God's grand narrative.
The second reading from Romans shifts our focus to transformation through Christ. Baptism unites us with Christ's death and resurrection, signifying the end of our old selves and the beginning of a new life in Him. This transformation calls us to live beyond sin, embracing a life of purpose and service rooted in our union with Christ.
The Gospel from Matthew culminates in the resurrection of Jesus, a pivotal moment that redefines our mission. The empty tomb and Christ's appearance to the women illustrate the triumph over death, offering us hope and a renewed purpose. We are called to spread this Good News, just as the women were, embodying the joy and courage that comes from encountering the risen Christ.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace our identity as children of God, transformed by Christ's resurrection. We are called to steward creation with love, live a life of moral integrity, and share the hope of the Gospel with others. Let us approach each day with the courage and joy that flows from the resurrection, living as witnesses to the transformative power of Christ.