Daily Readings - Tue Jun 11 2019
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
The readings today remind us of the power of faith, the importance of community, and the call to trust in God’s providence. In the first reading from Acts, we see the early Christian community thriving in Antioch, where Barnabas and Saul are called by the Holy Spirit to embark on a mission. This passage highlights the unity and purpose of the Church, as well as the Spirit’s guidance in sending forth missionaries to spread the Good News. The Gospel from Matthew complements this by showing Jesus sending out his disciples to preach and heal, instructing them to trust in God’s provision and not be burdened by material possessions. Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own call to live with faith, simplicity, and a willingness to serve others.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early days of Christianity, when the Church was growing rapidly and facing new challenges. In Acts, the Church at Antioch represents a moment of transition, as Gentiles (non-Jews) are being welcomed into the faith, and the mission to the wider world is beginning. Matthew’s Gospel, on the other hand, captures Jesus’ instructions to his disciples as he prepares them to continue his work after he is gone. Both readings emphasize the importance of trusting in God’s plan and being open to the Spirit’s leading, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to live with greater faith and generosity. Like the disciples in Matthew’s Gospel, we are called to step out in trust, knowing that God will provide what we need. This doesn’t mean we should be careless or irresponsible, but rather that we should not let fear or attachment to material things hold us back from serving others and sharing the Good News. Similarly, the example of Barnabas and Saul in Acts encourages us to be open to new opportunities and to work together as a community, supporting one another in our shared mission.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Am I living with the kind of faith and trust that God desires? Am I open to the Spirit’s leading in my life? How can I simplify my life and focus more on serving others and sharing the love of Christ? May we, like the early Christians, be filled with joy, courage, and a resolute heart as we follow the Lord.