Daily Readings - Fri Jun 16 2023

Deuteronomy

6For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.7The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:8But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.9Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;10And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face.11Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them.

1 John

7Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.11Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.12No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.14And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.15Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.16And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Matthew

25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.26Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.28Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Sermon

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the profound themes of God’s love, humility, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Deuteronomy reminds us that God’s choice of Israel was not based on their size or strength but on His love and faithfulness. This passage, part of Moses’ farewell address, emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, urging them to remain faithful to His commandments. The second reading from 1 John deepens this theme by declaring that love is not just a feeling but the very essence of God’s nature. John writes that love originates from God, and those who love demonstrate that they are born of Him. The Gospel from Matthew complements these readings by highlighting Jesus’ humility and invitation to all who are weary to find rest in Him. Jesus emphasizes that His yoke is easy and His burden is light, contrasting the simplicity of faith with the complexities of human wisdom. These readings are interconnected in their emphasis on the relationship between God’s love and our response to it. In Deuteronomy, God’s love is seen in His covenant faithfulness and redemption of Israel. In 1 John, love is the defining characteristic of God’s nature, and it is through love that we come to know Him. In Matthew, Jesus embodies this love, offering rest to those who are burdened. Together, these readings remind us that God’s love is not something we earn but something we receive and then share with others. They also call us to humility, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God, not from human pride or self-reliance. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are challenged to live with humility and to let God’s love shape our actions and relationships. In a world often marked by division and self-interest, we are called to be instruments of God’s love, just as Jesus was. This means embracing the simplicity of faith, trusting in God’s providence, and loving one another as He has loved us. Let us reflect on how we can live out this love in our families, communities, and workplaces, remembering that God’s love is not just a feeling but a choice that transforms lives. May we, like the “little ones” Jesus speaks of, receive His truth with open hearts and find rest in His presence.