Daily Readings - Sat Mar 04 2023
Deuteronomy
16The LORD your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul.17You have declared this day that the LORD is your God and that you will walk in his ways, that you will keep his decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey him.18And the LORD has declared this day that you are his people, his treasured possession as he promised, and that you are to keep all his commands.19He has declared that he will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations he has made and that you will be a people holy to the LORD your God, as he promised.
Matthew
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore profound teachings from Deuteronomy and Matthew, both inviting us to embrace a life of deep faith and love. The first reading from Deuteronomy emphasizes the Israelites' commitment to God's commandments, highlighting their covenant relationship. They are reminded of their special status as God's chosen people, called to holiness and obedience. This passage underscores the importance of living out faith through actions, adhering to God's laws, and recognizing the privilege of being His people.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus' radical teaching on love. He challenges the conventional wisdom of loving only those who love us, urging us instead to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus expands the understanding of the Law, calling His followers to a higher standard of morality and compassion. By loving our enemies, we emulate God, who bestows His blessings equally on the just and the unjust.
These readings connect through the theme of being chosen by God and living according to His will. Deuteronomy focuses on external obedience, while Matthew delves into the internal attitudes of love and forgiveness. Together, they call us to a holistic faith—both in action and in heart. Applying this to daily life, we are challenged to forgive, show kindness, and pray for those who wrong us, reflecting God's universal love. The moral lesson is clear: we are called to holiness, striving for perfection as God is perfect, through grace and our efforts to love unconditionally.