Daily Catholic Mass Readings for May 26, 2024
First Reading: Deuteronomy 4.32-34, 39-40
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.
Psalm 33
1Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright.2Praise the LORD with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings.3Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.4For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.5He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.6By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.7He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.8Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.9For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.10The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect.11The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.12Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.13The LORD looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men.14From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.15He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works.16There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.17An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength.18Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy;19To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.20Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield.21For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.22Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.
Second Reading: Romans 8.14-17
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.
Gospel: Matthew 28.16-20
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
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our mission as His people. The first reading from Deuteronomy reminds us of the unique bond between God and the Israelites, highlighting the miracles and wonders He performed for them. Moses urges the people to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and to keep His commandments, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience. The second reading from Romans shifts our focus to life in the Spirit, where we are adopted as sons and daughters of God. Paul reminds us that our sufferings are not in vain, for they prepare us for future glorification with Christ. Finally, the Gospel from Matthew presents the Great Commission, where Jesus commands the disciples to baptize and teach all nations, promising His enduring presence.
These readings are interconnected, illustrating God’s plan from the Old Covenant to the New. Deuteronomy establishes the covenant, Romans discusses adoption through the Spirit, and Matthew shows the mission that flows from this covenant. Together, they remind us that our faith is not just a personal relationship but also a call to share God’s love with the world.
In our daily lives, we are called to recognize God’s presence and guidance, to live as children of God with the Spirit as our guide, and to embrace our mission to share the faith. The moral lesson here is one of trust and action—trusting in God’s plan and living faithfully, knowing that our efforts contribute to a greater purpose. Let us strive to embody this mission, trusting in God’s presence and guidance as we go forth to spread His love.