Daily Readings - Sat Jul 21 2018
Micah
1Woe to you who devise useless things and who work evil in your beds. In the morning light, they undertake it, because their hand is against God2And they have desired fields and have taken them by violence, and they have stolen houses. And they have made false accusations against a man and his house, a man and his inheritance3For this reason, thus says the Lord: Behold, I devise an evil against this family, from which you will not steal away your necks. And you will not walk in arrogance, because this is a most wicked time4In that day, a parable will be taken up about you, and a song will be sung with sweetness, saying: "We have been devastated by depopulation." The fate of my people has been altered. How can he withdraw from me, when he might be turned back, he who might tear apart our country5Because of this, there will be for you no casting of the cord of fate in the assembly of the Lord
Matthew
14Then the Pharisees, departing, took council against him, as to how they might destroy him15But Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he cured them all16And he instructed them, lest they make him known17Then what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled, saying18"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will place my Spirit over him, and he shall announce judgment to the nations19He shall not contend, nor cry out, neither shall anyone hear his voice in the streets20He shall not crush the bruised reed, and he shall not extinguish the smoking wick, until he sends forth judgment unto victory21And the Gentiles shall hope in his name.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages about justice, humility, and the consequences of our actions. The first reading from Micah condemns those who exploit the vulnerable and engage in unjust practices, warning that their actions will lead to their downfall. This passage reflects Micah's call to the people of Israel to repent from their sins and return to a life of integrity and fairness. The second reading from Matthew shows Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah as the gentle servant who brings justice without force or arrogance. Despite the Pharisees' plots against him, Jesus continues his healing ministry, embodying patience and trust in God's plan.
These readings are connected by their focus on justice and the right way to achieve it. Micah emphasizes the consequences of injustice and the importance of living according to God's will, while Matthew presents Jesus as the model of humility and non-violent justice. Together, they remind us that true justice must be rooted in love, compassion, and trust in God. Jesus shows us that even in the face of opposition, we should remain steadfast in doing good and avoiding harmful actions.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to reflect on how we treat others and whether our actions align with God's will. We are challenged to stand against injustice, but to do so with humility and love, as Jesus did. Let us strive to live with integrity, treating others fairly and trusting in God's plan. May we be instruments of justice and peace in our world, following the example of Christ, the gentle servant who brought light to the nations.