Daily Readings - Mon May 20 2024
First Reading - Genesis 3.9-15, 20 or Acts 1.12-14
Genesis
9But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"10He answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."11And he said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"12The man said, "The woman you put here with me-she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."13Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?" The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."14So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."20Adam named his wife Eve, because she would become the mother of all the living.
Acts
12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city.13When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.14They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
John
25Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.26When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, "Dear woman, here is your son,"27and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments from Scripture that invite us to reflect on the human condition and God's plan of salvation. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Adam and Eve after they have eaten the forbidden fruit. Their actions lead to a confrontation with God, where each tries to shift blame—Adam to Eve, and Eve to the serpent. This narrative sets the stage for the fallen state of humanity and the introduction of redemption through the promised enmity between the serpent's offspring and the woman's. Adam then names Eve, acknowledging her role as the mother of all living beings.
The Gospel reading from John presents a poignant scene at the cross. As Jesus faces his final moments, he ensures the care of his mother, Mary, by entrusting her to the beloved disciple. This act underscores Jesus' compassion and the significance of familial bonds, even amidst suffering. It also highlights Mary's role as a mother figure in the early Christian community, symbolizing the Church's nurturing role.
These readings connect through their portrayal of mother figures—Eve, the first mother, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both stories touch on themes of redemption and the consequences of human actions. Eve's story introduces original sin and the promise of a savior, while Mary's story embodies the fulfillment of that promise. The connection between these narratives reminds us of God's enduring plan and the transformative power of love and sacrifice.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to embrace responsibility for our actions and to trust in God's providence. They remind us of the importance of family and the role of mothers in nurturing life and faith. The moral lesson here is one of redemption and love—despite our failures, God's plan prevails, offering us grace and the hope of salvation. As we reflect on these stories, may we find strength in our faith and strive to live out God's love in our own families and communities.