Daily Readings - Tue Jul 23 2019
Exodus
21And when Moses had extended his hand over the sea, the Lord took it away by an intense burning wind, blowing throughout the night, and he turned it into dry ground. And the water was divided22And the sons of Israel went in through the midst of the dried sea. For the water was like a wall at their right hand and at their left hand23And the Egyptians, pursuing them, went in after them, along with all of the horses of Pharaoh, his chariots and horsemen, through the midst of the sea24And now the morning watch had arrived, and behold, the Lord, looking down upon the camp of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of cloud, put to death their army25And he overturned the wheels of the chariots, and they were carried into the deep. Therefore, the Egyptians said: "Let us flee from Israel. For the Lord fights on their behalf against us.26And the Lord said to Moses: "Extend your hand over the sea, so that the waters may return on the Egyptians, over their chariots and horsemen.27And when Moses had extended his hand opposite the sea, it was returned, at first light, to its former place. And the fleeing Egyptians met with the waters, and the Lord immersed them in the midst of the waves28And the waters were returned, and they covered the chariots and horsemen of the entire army of Pharaoh, who, in following, had entered into the sea. And not so much as one of them was left alive29But the sons of Israel continued directly through the midst of the dried sea, and the waters were to them like a wall on the right and on the left30And so the Lord freed Israel on that day from the hand of the Egyptians31And they saw the Egyptians dead on the shore of the sea and the great hand that the Lord had exercised against them. And the people feared the Lord, and they believed in the Lord and in Moses his servant
1Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and they said: "Let us sing to the Lord, for he has been gloriously magnified: the horse and the rider he has cast into the sea20And so Miriam, the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took up a timbrel in her hand. And all the women followed her with timbrels and dancing21And she prophesied, saying: "Let us sing to the Lord, for he has been gloriously magnified. The horse and its rider, he has thrown into the sea.
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 powerful stories of trust, deliverance, and redefined relationships. The first reading from Exodus recounts the dramatic escape of the Israelites from the Egyptians through the parting of the Red Sea. Moses, acting in faith, stretches out his staff, and God’s mighty hand divides the waters, allowing the Israelites to pass safely. When the Egyptians pursue, the sea closes again, engulfing them. This miracle leads to a song of triumph, as Moses and Miriam praise God for his deliverance. The second reading from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who, while teaching, is approached by his family. Yet, he expands the notion of family to include all who do the will of his Father, emphasizing that spiritual bonds can transcend biological ties.
These readings invite us to reflect on trust and relationship. The Israelites, facing the pursuing army, had to trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seemed impossible. Their deliverance was not just physical but also a spiritual awakening, as they came to know God’s power more deeply. Similarly, Jesus challenges us to rethink our understanding of family and community. True kinship is not limited to blood relations but is formed by those who share a common purpose and commitment to God’s will.
In our daily lives, we often face moments where we must trust in God’s providence, even when the path is uncertain. Like the Israelites, we may feel pursued by challenges or doubts, but God’s deliverance is always at hand. Additionally, Jesus reminds us that our spiritual family is vast and inclusive. We are called to build communities rooted in faith, love, and shared values. Let us strive to trust in God’s plan and to embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, united in our commitment to his will.