Daily Readings - Mon Jul 11 2022
Isaiah
10Listen to the Word of the Lord, you leaders of the people of Sodom. Listen closely to the law of our God, O people of Gomorrah11The multitude of your sacrifices, what is that to me, says the Lord? I am full. I do not desire holocausts of rams, nor the fat of fatlings, nor the blood of calves and of lambs and of he-goats12When you approach before my sight, who is it that requires these things from your hands, so that you would walk in my courts13You should no longer offer sacrifice in vain. Incense is an abomination to me. The new moons and the Sabbaths and the other feast days, I will not receive. Your gatherings are iniquitous14My soul hates your days of proclamation and your solemnities. They have become bothersome to me. I labor to endure them15And so, when you extend your hands, I will avert my eyes from you. And when you multiply your prayers, I will not heed you. For your hands are full of blood16Wash, become clean, take away the evil of your intentions from my eyes. Cease to act perversely17Learn to do good. Seek judgment, support the oppressed, judge for the orphan, defend the widow
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
In today's readings, we encounter a profound call to authenticity and commitment in our faith. The first reading from Isaiah 1:10-17 confronts us with God's displeasure towards empty rituals. The Israelites are going through the motions of sacrifice and festivals, yet their hearts are far from God, marked by injustice and oppression. Isaiah emphasizes that true worship is not about rituals but about living justly and compassionately.
In the Gospel, Matthew 10:34–11:1, Jesus challenges us with a radical message. He comes not to bring comfort but to disrupt, even within families, calling us to prioritize Him above all else. Following Jesus means taking up our cross, embracing sacrifice, and standing for righteousness. Jesus also highlights the importance of receiving prophets and the righteous, and even small acts of kindness, like giving a cup of water, are rewarded.
These readings connect by emphasizing that true faith transcends rituals. Isaiah calls for justice, while Jesus demands unwavering commitment. Together, they remind us that faith must be lived authentically, transforming our actions and relationships. In our daily lives, this means more than attending church; it involves standing up for justice, helping the needy, and making tough choices to follow God's will. Let us reflect on how we can live our faith with authenticity, allowing it to transform our world.