Daily Readings - Sat Jul 17 2021

³⁷And the sons of Israel set out from Rameses to Soccoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides little ones³⁸But also an innumerable mix of common people ascended with them, sheep and herds and animals of diverse kinds, exceedingly many³⁹And they baked the bread, which a little while ago they had taken out of Egypt as dough. And they made unleavened bread baked under ashes. For it was not able to be leavened, with the Egyptians compelling them to leave and not permitting them to cause any delay. Neither did they have occasion to prepare any meat⁴⁰Now the habitation of the sons of Israel, while they remained in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years⁴¹Having been completed, on the same day all the army of the Lord departed from the land of Egypt⁴²This night is a worthy observance of the Lord, when he led them out of the land of Egypt. This all the sons of Israel must observe in their generations

Matthew

Chapter 12

¹⁴Then the Pharisees, departing, took council against him, as to how they might destroy him¹⁵But Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he cured them all¹⁶And he instructed them, lest they make him known¹⁷Then what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled, saying¹⁸"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will place my Spirit over him, and he shall announce judgment to the nations¹⁹He shall not contend, nor cry out, neither shall anyone hear his voice in the streets²⁰He shall not crush the bruised reed, and he shall not extinguish the smoking wick, until he sends forth judgment unto victory²¹And the Gentiles shall hope in his name.

Sermon

The first reading from Exodus recounts the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, marking the end of their 430-year sojourn. The text emphasizes the urgency of their exit, as they left with unleavened bread, unable to wait for it to rise. This moment is not just a historical event but a sacred observance, a night the Lord Himself led His people out of slavery. It is a reminder of God's deliverance and the importance of remembering His saving acts. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who, aware of the Pharisees' plot against Him, withdrew and continued His ministry of healing. The passage is filled with quiet power, as Jesus avoids confrontation and instead fulfills Isaiah's prophecy of the gentle Messiah. He is the Servant who does not break the bruised reed or extinguish the smoldering wick, offering hope to all nations. This image contrasts sharply with the world's notion of power, revealing a Savior who triumphs through humility and compassion. Both readings invite us to reflect on trust and hope. Like the Israelites, we are called to trust in God's providence, even in uncertain times. Jesus shows us that true strength lies not in dominance but in gentleness and mercy. Let us ask for the grace to trust in God's plan and to live with the humility and compassion of Christ, bringing hope to a world in need.