Daily Readings - Sat Feb 24 2024
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our neighbors, emphasizing the transformative power of love and commitment.
In the first reading from Deuteronomy, we hear the Israelites reaffirming their covenant with God as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Moses calls them to faithfully follow God's commandments with all their heart and soul, promising that in doing so, they will become God's chosen people, set apart for His glory. This passage underscores the importance of commitment and obedience to God's will, highlighting the unique relationship between God and His people.
In the Gospel, Jesus challenges us to move beyond conventional notions of love and hatred. He teaches that true discipleship requires loving not just those who love us, but also our enemies. Jesus emphasizes that our love should mirror God's universal love, which extends to all, regardless of merit. This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard of living, one that reflects the perfection of God.
Both readings call us to live out our faith in a way that sets us apart. Deuteronomy emphasizes covenant fidelity, while Matthew highlights the radical love that should characterize God's children. Together, they remind us that our commitment to God is not just about rules, but about living in a way that reflects His love and holiness. As we strive to love even those who may wrong us, we grow closer to God and become more like Him. Let us pray for the grace to embrace this challenging yet transformative call, that we may be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect.