Daily Readings - Wed Aug 05 2020
Jeremiah
1"In that time, says the Lord, I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they will be my people.2Thus says the Lord: "The people who had remained after the sword, found grace in the desert. Israel will go to his rest.3The Lord appeared to me from a distance: "And I have loved you in perpetual charity. Therefore, showing pity, I have drawn you4And I will build you up again. And you shall be built up, O virgin of Israel. Still shall you be adorned with your timbrels, and still shall you go forth to the singing of those who play5Still shall you plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria. The planters will plant, and they will not gather the vintage until the time arrives6For there will be a day on which the guardians on mount Ephraim will cry out: ‘Arise! And let us ascend on Zion to the Lord our God!’ 7For thus says the Lord: "Exult in the joy of Jacob, and neigh before the head of the Gentiles. Shout, and sing, and say: ‘O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel!
Matthew
21And departing from there, Jesus withdrew into the areas of Tyre and Sidon22And behold, a woman of Canaan, going out from those parts, cried out, saying to him: "Take pity on me, Lord, Son of David. My daughter is badly afflicted by a demon.23He did not say a word to her. And his disciples, drawing near, petitioned him, saying: "Dismiss her, for she is crying out after us.24And responding, he said, "I was not sent except to the sheep who have fallen away from the house of Israel.25But she approached and adored him, saying, "Lord, help me.26And responding, he said, "It is not good to take the bread of the children and cast it to the dogs.27But she said, "Yes, Lord, but the young dogs also eat from the crumbs that fall from the table of their masters.28Then Jesus, responding, said to her: "O woman, great is your faith. Let it be done for you just as you wish." And her daughter was healed from that very hour
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound expressions of God's love and mercy. The prophet Jeremiah brings a message of hope to Israel during their exile, promising restoration and joy. God's eternal love is highlighted, reassuring Israel that they will be rebuilt and rejoice once more. This passage emphasizes God's faithfulness and the hope of redemption, even in the darkest times.
The Gospel presents a Canaanite woman whose persistence and faith in Jesus lead to her daughter's healing. Initially, Jesus seems reluctant, but her unwavering faith moves Him to act, demonstrating that His mission extends beyond the Jews to all people. This story underscores the power of faith and the universality of God's love.
These readings remind us to trust in God's love and mercy, especially in challenging times. They call us to embrace God's love and share it with others, just as Jesus did. Let us be inspired to live with hope and faith, knowing God's love is always available to us and to all people.