Daily Readings - Sun Jun 25 2023
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
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on trust, grace, and courage in the face of adversity. The prophet Jeremiah, despite facing persecution and betrayal, places his trust in God, who he knows is his strength. Jeremiah's situation reminds us that even in the darkest moments, God is ever-present, offering us the courage to persevere.
In the second reading, St. Paul explains the profound impact of sin and redemption. Through Adam, sin entered the world, leading to death, but through Christ, grace abounds. This passage highlights the transformative power of God's grace, which surpasses the effects of sin. It encourages us to trust in God's plan of salvation and to live with hope, knowing that His grace is always available to us.
In the Gospel, Jesus instructs His disciples not to fear persecution or death, for they are valued by God. He calls them to acknowledge Him publicly, promising His own acknowledgment before the Father. This teaching challenges us to be bold in our faith, trusting in God's providence and care. Like the sparrows, we are known and loved by God, and we should not fear, for we are worth more than many sparrows.
These readings remind us to trust in God's presence and grace, especially in difficult times. May we, like Jeremiah, place our trust in the Lord, and may we, like the disciples, courageously acknowledge Jesus in our lives. Let us live with hope and faith, knowing that God's grace is always sufficient.