Daily Readings - Sun May 27 2018
Deuteronomy
32Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created man on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of?33Has any other people heard the voice of God speaking out of fire, as you have, and lived?34Has any god ever tried to take for himself one nation out of another nation, by testings, by miraculous signs and wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, or by great and awesome deeds, like all the things the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your very eyes?39Acknowledge and take to heart this day that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth below. There is no other.40Keep his decrees and commands, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long in the land the LORD your God gives you for all time.
Romans
14because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.15For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.17Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Matthew
16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the profound relationship between God and humanity, as well as our mission as followers of Christ. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the unique and extraordinary ways God has acted in their history. He calls them to acknowledge God’s sovereignty and to keep His commandments, ensuring their well-being and fidelity to the covenant. This passage emphasizes the centrality of faith and obedience in our relationship with God.
In the second reading from Romans, St. Paul deepens our understanding of this relationship by revealing that through baptism, we are not merely servants but sons and daughters of God. The Spirit of adoption allows us to cry out "Abba, Father!" and to share in Christ’s inheritance. This spiritual reality transforms our lives, as we are no longer bound by fear but empowered by the Spirit to live as children of God. Yet, Paul also reminds us that this adoption is not without its challenges; we are called to share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing that we will also share in His glory.
The Gospel from Matthew brings these themes together as Jesus, after His resurrection, commissions the disciples to go forth and baptize all nations. This passage, known as the Great Commission, underscores our mission to spread the Good News and to teach others to follow Christ. Just as God was present with the Israelites in the wilderness and just as the Spirit is present within us, Jesus assures us of His constant presence "until the end of the age." Today’s readings remind us that our faith is not just a personal relationship but also a call to action. We are to live as children of God, trusting in His providence, and to share His love with a world in need. Let us embrace this mission with courage and joy, knowing that we are never alone.