Daily Readings - Fri Aug 07 2020
Nahum
15Behold, over the mountains, the feet of the Evangelizer and the Announcer of peace. Judah, celebrate your festivals and keep your vows. For Belial will never again pass through you; he has completely passed away
2For the Lord has repaid the arrogance of Jacob, just like the arrogance of Israel. For the despoilers have scattered them, and they have corrupted their procreation
1Woe to the city of blood, filled with all manner of lies and violence. Crime shall not depart from you2the voice of the whip, and the voice of the turning wheels, and of the neighing horse, and the burning chariot, and the horsemen who ride3and of the flashing sword and the shining spear, and of a multitude executed and a grievous ruination. Neither is there an end to the dead bodies, and they will fall down upon their dead bodies6And I will cast abominations over you, and I will afflict you with abuse, and I will make an example of you7And this shall be: everyone who sees you, will recoil from you, and he will say: "Nineveh has been devastated." Who will shake his head over you? Where might I seek consolation for you
Matthew
24Then Jesus said to his disciples: "If anyone is willing to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me25For whoever would save his life, will lose it. But whoever will have lost his life for my sake, shall find it26For how does it benefit a man, if he gains the whole world, yet truly suffers damage to his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul27For the Son of man will arrive in the glory of his Father, with his Angels. And then he will repay each one according to his works28Amen I say to you, there are some among those standing here, who shall not taste death, until they see the Son of man arriving in his reign.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to live a life aligned with God's will, emphasizing the consequences of our choices and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Nahum paints a vivid picture of judgment upon Nineveh, a city steeped in corruption and violence. Nahum's prophecy underscores the inevitability of God's justice, where the once-mighty city faces ruin due to its refusal to repent. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's path.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus' teachings on discipleship, highlighting the necessity of self-denial and taking up the cross. Jesus' words challenge us to reevaluate our priorities, emphasizing that true life is found not in worldly gains but in sacrificing for the sake of faith. The passage also touches on the eschatological hope of Christ's return, where each person will be judged according to their deeds. This serves as both a warning and an encouragement to live with integrity and purpose.
Connecting these readings, Nahum's prophecy illustrates the dire consequences of ignoring God's will, while Matthew offers the solution: following Christ through self-denial. In our daily lives, this means prioritizing spiritual values over material success and embracing sacrifices as part of our faith journey. The moral lesson is clear: a life well-lived is measured by fidelity to God, not earthly achievements. As we navigate our own paths, may we find the courage to carry our crosses, trusting in God's justice and mercy, and striving to live in accordance with His will.