Daily Readings - Sat Apr 08 2023
Genesis
1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.26Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground."27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.28God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."29Then God said, "I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.30And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds of the air and all the creatures that move on the ground-everything that has the breath of life in it-I give every green plant for food." And it was so.31God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning-the sixth day.
Romans
3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.5If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.6For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin--7because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.9For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.10The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Matthew
1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow.4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through creation, transformation, and resurrection, each offering a profound message about our purpose and identity in God's plan.
The first reading from Genesis reminds us that we are created in God's image, entrusted with dominion over the earth. This passage establishes our role as stewards of creation, highlighting the dignity and responsibility inherent in being human. It sets the stage for understanding our place within God's grand narrative.
The second reading from Romans shifts our focus to transformation through Christ. Baptism unites us with Christ's death and resurrection, signifying the end of our old selves and the beginning of a new life in Him. This transformation calls us to live beyond sin, embracing a life of purpose and service rooted in our union with Christ.
The Gospel from Matthew culminates in the resurrection of Jesus, a pivotal moment that redefines our mission. The empty tomb and Christ's appearance to the women illustrate the triumph over death, offering us hope and a renewed purpose. We are called to spread this Good News, just as the women were, embodying the joy and courage that comes from encountering the risen Christ.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to embrace our identity as children of God, transformed by Christ's resurrection. We are called to steward creation with love, live a life of moral integrity, and share the hope of the Gospel with others. Let us approach each day with the courage and joy that flows from the resurrection, living as witnesses to the transformative power of Christ.