Daily Readings - Sun Jun 07 2020
Exodus
4So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the LORD had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands.5Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD.6And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,8Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped.9"O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes," he said, "then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance."
John
16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.17For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.18Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound expressions of God's love and mercy. The first reading from Exodus recounts Moses receiving the tablets of the Ten Commandments again, highlighting God's merciful nature despite Israel's sin with the golden calf. The second reading from Corinthians concludes Paul's letter with a call for peace and unity among believers, urging them to live in harmony. The Gospel from John presents the iconic verse about God giving His only Son for the salvation of the world, emphasizing belief in Jesus as the path to eternal life.
Each reading provides a unique context that enriches our understanding. Exodus follows the incident of the golden calf, showcasing God's forgiveness and patience. Corinthians is Paul's farewell, encouraging the church to rejoice and live in peace. John's passage is part of Jesus' dialogue with Nicodemus, stressing the purpose of His mission as salvation, not judgment.
Together, these readings weave a tapestry of God's love. Exodus illustrates mercy after sin, Corinthians fosters community peace, and John reveals sacrificial love for salvation. In daily life, we experience God's mercy in our own struggles and are called to foster unity and peace in our communities. The moral lesson is clear: living with gratitude for God's mercy and sharing that love with others is our calling. Let us reflect on this with hearts full of joy and a commitment to embody God's love in our actions.