Daily Readings - Sun Jun 25 2017
Romans
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned--13for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law.14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
Matthew
26"So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.28Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.30And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.31So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.32"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.33But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound truths about sin, grace, and the courage to live our faith fearlessly. The Second Reading from Romans reminds us that through Adam, sin and death entered the world, but through Christ, God's grace abounds even more abundantly. This theological foundation underscores the transformative power of God's love. In the Gospel, Matthew shares Jesus' words of encouragement to His disciples, urging them not to fear persecution or death, for they are valued by God, who even knows the number of hairs on their heads. Jesus emphasizes that acknowledging Him before others will be reciprocated by the Father in heaven.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian experience. Paul, in Romans, contrasts Adam and Christ, highlighting the redemptive act of Jesus. This contrast serves as a theological underpinning for understanding the nature of sin and grace. In Matthew, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face, encouraging them to trust in God's providence and care. Together, these readings bridge the theological and the practical, offering both a understanding of God's plan and the courage to live it out.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are reminded to face challenges with faith, trusting in God's love and care. Just as the disciples were called to be bold, we too are called to live our faith openly, unafraid of what others may think or do. The moral lesson here is one of trust and courage—trusting in God's love and living as His children with confidence. Let us embrace this call, knowing we are valued and loved beyond measure, and let our lives reflect the grace we have received.