Daily Readings - Mon Jul 12 2021
Exodus
8Meanwhile, there arose a new king over Egypt, who was ignorant of Joseph9And he said to his people: "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are many, and they are stronger than we are10Come, let us wisely oppress them, lest they multiply; and if any war should advance against us, they may be added to our enemies, and having fought against us, they might depart from the land.11And so he set over them masters of the works, in order to afflict them with burdens. And they built for Pharaoh the cities of the tabernacles: Pithom and Raamses12And the more they oppressed them, so much more did they multiply and increase13And the Egyptians hated the sons of Israel, and they afflicted them and mocked them14And they led their life directly into bitterness, with hard work in clay and brick, and with all kinds of servitude, so that they were being overwhelmed with the works of the land22Therefore, Pharaoh instructed all his people, saying: "Whatever will be born of the male sex, cast it into the river; whatever will be born of the female sex, retain it.
Matthew
34Do not think that I came to send peace upon the earth. I came, not to send peace, but the sword35For I came to divide a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law36And the enemies of a man will be those of his own household37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever loves son or daughter above me is not worthy of me38And whoever does not take up his cross, and follow me is not worthy of me39Whoever finds his life, will lose it. And whoever will have lost his life because of me, shall find it40Whoever receives you, receives me. And whoever receives me, receives him who sent me41Whoever receives a prophet, in the name of a prophet, shall receive the reward of a prophet. And whoever receives the just in the name of the just shall receive the reward of the just42And whoever shall give, even to one of the least of these, a cup of cold water to drink, solely in the name of a disciple: Amen I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.
1And it happened that, when Jesus had completed instructing his twelve disciples, he went away from there in order to teach and to preach in their cities
Sermon
The first reading from Exodus describes a time of great trial for the Israelites in Egypt. A new pharaoh, fearful of their growing numbers, oppresses them with forced labor and decrees the death of every newborn male. This sets the stage for the eventual liberation of God’s people, highlighting the tension between human oppression and divine providence. The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus speaking about the challenges of discipleship. He warns that following him will bring division, even within families, and that true fidelity to him requires surrendering one’s life. Jesus emphasizes that those who welcome his disciples and prophets will be rewarded, and even the smallest acts of kindness to others are significant in his eyes.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme: the cost of faith and the trust required to follow God’s plan. In Exodus, the Israelites endure suffering because of Pharaoh’s fear and arrogance, yet this suffering sets the stage for their eventual liberation. In Matthew, Jesus calls his followers to embrace a life of sacrifice and trust, even when it leads to conflict and hardship. Both readings remind us that faith is not about comfort or ease but about trusting in God’s larger plan, even when the path is difficult.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that require us to trust in God’s providence, even when the outcome is uncertain. Like the Israelites, we may experience trials that test our endurance and faith. Like Jesus’ disciples, we are called to prioritize our relationship with him above all else. Let us reflect on where we might be called to surrender our own will or comfort for the sake of following Christ. Even in small acts of kindness or fidelity, we participate in God’s work and store up rewards in heaven. May we embrace the cross of discipleship with courage and trust, knowing that God’s plan is always greater than our own.