Daily Readings - Wed Jul 27 2022
Jeremiah
10"O my mother, woe to me! Why did you conceive me, a man of strife, a man of discord to all the earth? I have not lent money at interest, nor has anyone lent money at interest to me. Yet everyone is cursing me.16I discovered your words and I consumed them. And your word became to me as the gladness and joy of my heart. For your name has been invoked over me, O Lord, the God of hosts17I did not sit in the company of mockers, nor did I glorify myself before the presence of your hand. I sat alone, because you filled me with threats18Why has my sorrow become never-ending, and why has my wound become so dire that it refuses to be cured? It has become for me like the deception of untrustworthy waters.19Because of this, thus says the Lord: "If you will be converted, I will convert you. And you will stand before my face. And you will separate what is precious from what is vile. You will be my mouthpiece. They will be converted to you, but you will not be converted to them20And I will present you to this people as a strong wall of brass. And they will fight against you, and they will not prevail. For I am with you, so as to save you and to rescue you, says the Lord21And I will free you from hand of those who are most wicked, and I will redeem you from the hand of the powerful.
Matthew
44The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man finds it, he hides it, and, because of his joy, he goes and sells everything that he has, and he buys that field45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking good pearls46Having found one pearl of great value, he went away and sold all that he had, and he bought it
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the cost and joy of following God’s will. In the first reading, Jeremiah laments the burden of his prophetic mission, feeling isolated and misunderstood. Yet, despite his suffering, he acknowledges that God’s word has brought him joy and that he has been called to stand as a strong, unwavering witness. This passage reminds us that living according to God’s plan often requires sacrifice and perseverance, but it also offers a profound sense of purpose and fulfillment.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses two parables to describe the kingdom of heaven: the treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great value. Both parables emphasize the extraordinary worth of spiritual treasure and the radical commitment required to attain it. The man who finds the treasure sells everything to buy the field, and the merchant sells all his possessions for the pearl. These stories teach us that the kingdom of heaven is not something we can attain halfway; it demands our wholehearted dedication and joy. Just as Jeremiah embraced his mission despite its challenges, we too are called to prioritize God’s will above all else.
These readings challenge us to examine our own commitment to living as disciples of Christ. Are we willing to let go of worldly attachments and trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us through difficult terrain? The moral lesson here is clear: true joy and fulfillment come from seeking God above all else. Like the treasure and the pearl, the kingdom of heaven is worth sacrificing everything for. Let us pray for the courage to follow God’s will with open hearts, trusting that He will guide us through every trial and bring us to eternal life.