Daily Readings - Thu Jun 11 2020
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 encounter two powerful narratives that guide us in understanding the essence of faith and mission. The first reading from Acts highlights the early Christian community in Antioch, where Barnabas and Saul are set apart by the Holy Spirit for their missionary journey. This passage underscores the Church's growth and the pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in guiding the community's actions. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus instructing His disciples to preach, heal, and trust in divine providence, emphasizing a life of simplicity and detachment from material wealth.
Both readings emphasize the Holy Spirit's active role in mission and the importance of trusting in God's providence. In Acts, the Spirit guides the Church in Antioch to recognize and commission Barnabas and Saul for their work. In Matthew, Jesus instructs the disciples to rely on God's provision, teaching them to live simply and generously. This relationship between the readings highlights the consistent theme of trusting God and living selflessly, which is central to the Christian life.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embrace faith and simplicity. We should trust in God's plan and provision, avoiding the temptation to accumulate wealth. Living generously and selflessly allows us to share God's love effectively. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith should lead us to trust in God's providence and live with open hearts, ready to serve and share His love with others.