Daily Readings - Wed Jun 11 2025
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 are reminded of the power of faith and the call to live generously. The first reading from Acts describes the early Christian community in Antioch, where the Church was growing rapidly. Barnabas and Saul, guided by the Holy Spirit, were sent out on a mission, trusting in God’s providence. This passage highlights the importance of community, discernment, and obedience to the Spirit. The Gospel from Matthew continues this theme as Jesus instructs his disciples to preach, heal, and trust in God’s provision, emphasizing that those who labor for the kingdom will be sustained.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our own trust in God and our willingness to live simply and generously. In Acts, the Church at Antioch was filled with joy and faith, and they shared their resources freely. Similarly, in Matthew, Jesus calls us to let go of material concerns and focus on the mission of spreading the kingdom. This doesn’t mean we should be careless but rather that we should trust in God’s goodness and provision.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust God enough to let go of our need for control or security? Are we willing to share our time, talents, and resources with others? The moral lesson here is clear: faith and generosity go hand in hand. May we, like the early Christians, live with open hearts and hands, trusting that God will provide as we serve others in love.