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Daily Readings - Fri Jul 26 2019

Sirach

Chapter 44

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

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

In today's readings, we reflect on the themes of legacy, gratitude, and the responsibility that comes with spiritual blessings. The first reading from Sirach invites us to honor our ancestors and the enduring impact of their virtuous lives, emphasizing the mercy and wisdom they have passed down. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our gaze to the present, where Jesus highlights the unique blessing of witnessing and understanding God's revelation, a privilege that even the prophets of old did not know. The Book of Sirach, part of the wisdom literature, encourages us to remember the righteous deeds of our forebears and the legacy they leave. It reminds us that the good we do resonates through generations, shaping the lives of those who come after us. In Matthew, Jesus underscores the blessedness of His disciples, who have the privilege of seeing and hearing the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. This is not just a gift but also a call to respond with faith and humility. As we apply these readings to our lives, we are reminded to be grateful for the faith and wisdom handed down to us. Let us strive to live in a way that honors our spiritual heritage, using the blessings we have received to serve others and to bear fruit in our own time. May we, like the ancestors praised in Sirach, leave behind a legacy of love, mercy, and fidelity to God's covenant. In doing so, we fulfill our responsibility to pass on the faith and to be a source of inspiration for future generations.