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Daily Readings - Tue Jul 26 2022

Sirach

Chapter 44

1Let us praise the men of glory, and our ancestors in their generation8They left behind a name for those who were born of them, so that their praises might be described10But these were men of mercy, whose pious deeds have not failed11Good things continue with their offspring12Their descendents are a holy inheritance, and their offspring stand firm in the covenants13And because of them, their sons remain even unto eternity. Their offspring and their glory will not be forsaken14Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives on, from generation to generation15Let the people declare their wisdom, and let the Church announce their praise

Matthew

Chapter 13

16But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear17Amen I say to you, certainly, that many of the prophets and the just desired to see what you see, and yet they did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and yet they did not hear it

Sermon

The readings today invite us to reflect on the legacy of faith and the privilege of encountering God in our lives. The first reading from Sirach praises the ancestors who left a lasting legacy through their virtuous deeds, emphasizing that their impact endures through generations. Their names and deeds are celebrated, not just for their achievements, but for their faithfulness to God's covenant. This passage reminds us that our actions have a lasting effect, shaping the future for those who come after us. In the Gospel, Matthew highlights the unique blessing bestowed upon the disciples. Jesus points out that many prophets and righteous individuals longed to experience the revelation that the disciples were privileged to witness. This underscores the significance of being part of a community that has received the gift of faith and the responsibility that comes with it. Just as the ancestors in Sirach left a legacy, we too are called to live in a way that honors our faith and recognizes the blessings we've received. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded to live with gratitude and mindfulness. Our actions today will shape the legacy we leave for future generations. Let us strive to be faithful stewards of the gifts we've been given, just as our ancestors were. May we embrace the blessings of our time with humility and use them to build a legacy of love, compassion, and faithfulness. In doing so, we honor the past while contributing to a future rooted in God's grace.