Daily Readings - Wed Jul 26 2017

First Reading - Sirach 44.1, 8, 10-15

¹Let us praise the men of glory, and our ancestors in their generation⁸They left behind a name for those who were born of them, so that their praises might be described¹⁰But these were men of mercy, whose pious deeds have not failed¹¹Good things continue with their offspring¹²Their descendents are a holy inheritance, and their offspring stand firm in the covenants¹³And because of them, their sons remain even unto eternity. Their offspring and their glory will not be forsaken¹⁴Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives on, from generation to generation¹⁵Let the people declare their wisdom, and let the Church announce their praise

Gospel - Matthew 13.16-17

Matthew

Chapter 13

¹⁶But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear¹⁷Amen I say to you, certainly, that many of the prophets and the just desired to see what you see, and yet they did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and yet they did not hear it

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the gift of faith and the legacy of those who have come before us. In the first reading from Sirach, we hear a beautiful tribute to the ancestors who lived virtuous lives, leaving behind a lasting impact through their good deeds and fidelity to God. Their legacy endures not only in their descendants but also in the covenant they upheld. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences that ripple through generations, shaping the lives of those who come after us. It calls us to live with integrity, mercy, and faith, so that we too might leave a holy inheritance for others. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the privilege they have to see and hear what many prophets and righteous people longed to experience. This is not a boast but a humble recognition of the grace they have received. It reminds us that faith is a gift, and with this gift comes a responsibility to bear fruit. Just as the good soil in the parable receives the seed and produces an abundant harvest, so too are we called to nurture our faith and allow it to transform our lives and the lives of others. This passage encourages us to cultivate gratitude for the spiritual treasures we have and to use them wisely. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us consider how we are living out our faith. Are we building a legacy of love, compassion, and fidelity, as the ancestors in Sirach did? Are we stewarding the gift of faith entrusted to us, as Jesus reminds us in the Gospel? May we strive to live in such a way that our lives honor the heritage of faith we have received and bear fruit that lasts for generations to come. Let us pray for the grace to be faithful and fruitful, that we might glorify God and inspire others to do the same.