Daily Readings - Wed Jul 04 2018
Amos
14Seek good and not evil, so that you may live. And the Lord God of hosts will be with you, just as you have asked15Hate evil and love good, and establish judgment at the gate. Perhaps then the Lord God of hosts may have mercy on the remnant of Joseph21I hate and have rejected your feasts; and I will not accept the odor from your gatherings22For if you offer me holocausts and your gifts, I will not receive them; and I will not look upon the vows of your fatness23Take away from me the tumult of your songs, and I will not listen to the canticles of your lyre24And judgment will be revealed like water, and justice like a mighty torrent
Matthew
28And when he had arrived across the sea, into the region of the Gerasenes, he was met by two who had demons, who were so exceedingly savage, as they went out from among the tombs, that no one was able to cross by that way29And behold, they cried out, saying: "What are we to you, O Jesus, the Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?30Now there was, not far from them, a herd of many swine feeding31Then the demons petitioned him, saying: "If you cast us from here, send us into the herd of swine.32And he said to them, "Go." And they, going out, went into the swine. And behold, the entire herd suddenly rushed along a steep place into the sea. And they died in the waters33Then the shepherds fled, and arriving in the city, they reported on all this, and on those who had had the demons34And behold, the entire city went out to meet Jesus. And having seen him, they petitioned him, so that he would cross from their borders
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and our commitment to living a life of integrity. The first reading from Amos challenges us to seek good and reject evil, emphasizing the importance of living justly and authentically. Amos criticizes the superficial religious practices of his time, where people went through the motions of worship without truly turning their hearts to God. He calls us to establish justice and to hate evil, reminding us that true worship is not just about rituals but about how we live our lives.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a dramatic encounter between Jesus and two men possessed by demons. The demons recognize Jesus as the Son of God and beg Him not to torment them before their time. Jesus, in His mercy and power, casts the demons into a herd of swine, freeing the men from their torment. This story highlights Jesus’ authority over evil and His mission to restore humanity to wholeness. The reaction of the people, who ask Jesus to leave after witnessing this miracle, reminds us that the presence of God can sometimes make us uncomfortable, prompting us to confront our own sinfulness and need for conversion.
Both readings invite us to examine our own lives and hearts. Amos calls us to move beyond superficial religiosity and to live with integrity, while Matthew reminds us of the transformative power of Jesus’ presence in our lives. Let us ask ourselves: Are we seeking good and rejecting evil in our daily choices? Are we open to the transformative power of Jesus, even when it challenges us to change? May we turn to God with sincere hearts, seeking His mercy and living in a way that reflects His justice and love.