Daily Readings - Mon Jun 11 2018
Acts
21The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.22News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.23When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.24He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.25Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
1In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.2While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."3So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.
Matthew
7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts;10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.11"Whatever town or village you enter, search for some worthy person there and stay at his house until you leave.12As you enter the home, give it your greeting.13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound trust in God's providence that defined the early Christian community and the disciples of Jesus. The first reading from Acts describes how the Church in Antioch, guided by the Holy Spirit, entrusted Barnabas and Saul to their missionary journey. This moment marks the beginning of the Church's expansion beyond Jerusalem, showing how the community, through fasting and prayer, surrendered to God's will. Similarly, in the Gospel, Jesus sends out his disciples with a radical simplicity, instructing them to rely not on material possessions but on the hospitality and grace of those they encounter. Both readings emphasize a deep reliance on God and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that He will provide.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on trust and surrender. In Acts, the Church at Antioch does not hold onto Barnabas and Saul but releases them for the work God has prepared. In Matthew, Jesus calls the disciples to embrace a life of simplicity and dependence on God. This teaches us that our faith is not about control or security but about openness to God's plan. Just as the early Church and the disciples had to let go of their own plans, we too are called to trust in God's providence, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on where we place our trust. Do we rely on our own strength and resources, or do we surrender to God's plan? The early Christians and the disciples show us that true freedom comes from trusting in God and living with simplicity and openness. Let us ask ourselves: Am I holding onto things that prevent me from fully surrendering to God's will? Let us pray for the courage to trust in His providence, knowing that He will provide us with everything we need to fulfill our mission in life.