Daily Readings - Tue Jul 24 2018
Micah
14With your rod, pasture your people, the flock of your inheritance, living alone in the narrow forest, in the midst of Carmel. They will graze in Bashan and Gilead, as in the ancient days15As in the days of your departure from the land of Egypt, I will reveal miracles to him18What God is like you, who takes away iniquity and passes over the sin of the remnant of your inheritance? No longer will he send forth his fury, because he is willing to be merciful19He will turn back and have mercy on us. He will put away our iniquities, and he will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea20You will give the truth to Jacob, mercy to Abraham, which you swore to our fathers from the ancient days
Matthew
46While he was still speaking to the crowds, behold, his mother and his brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak with him48But responding to the one speaking to him, he said, "Which one is my mother, and who are my brothers?49And extending his hand to his disciples, he said: "Behold: my mother and my brothers50For anyone who does the will of my Father, who is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on God’s mercy and the expansion of our understanding of family and community. The first reading from Micah paints a vivid picture of God as a shepherd who guides His people with care and compassion. The prophet speaks of a time when God will gather His flock, even in the midst of narrow or challenging circumstances, and lead them to places of abundance, reminiscent of the Exodus from Egypt. Micah emphasizes God’s willingness to forgive and cast sins into the depths of the sea, promising faithfulness to His people. This passage invites us to trust in God’s enduring mercy and faithfulness, even when we stumble.
The Gospel reading from Matthew challenges us to rethink our understanding of family. When Jesus is told that his mother and brothers are waiting to speak with him, he responds by expanding the concept of family beyond blood ties. He points to his disciples and declares that those who do the will of His Father in heaven are his true brothers, sisters, and mother. This teaching is radical because it calls us to see our spiritual family as those who share a common commitment to God’s will, transcending biological bonds. It reminds us that our faith is not confined to our immediate circles but extends to all who seek to live according to God’s plan.
These readings are deeply connected. Micah’s emphasis on God’s mercy and faithfulness encourages us to trust in His plan, while Jesus’ teaching on spiritual family invites us to live out that plan in community. Together, they call us to embrace a life of mercy, forgiveness, and unity. As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How can we extend God’s mercy to others? How can we build a spiritual family that reflects His will? May we strive to live as children of God, united in love and fidelity to His plan, and may we always remember that our true family is found in those who share a commitment to His kingdom.