Daily Readings - Tue Aug 02 2022
Jeremiah
1This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying2"Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, saying: You shall write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you12For thus says the Lord: "Your fracture is incurable; your wound is very serious13There is no one who may judge your judgment, so as to bandage it; there is no useful treatment for you14All your lovers have forgotten you, and they will not seek you. For I have wounded you with the strike of an enemy, with a cruel chastisement. Your sins have become hardened because of the multitude of your iniquities15Why do you cry out over your affliction? Your pain is incurable. I have done these things to you because of the multitude of your iniquity and because of your hardened sins18Thus says the Lord: "Behold, I will turn back the turning away of the tabernacles of Jacob, and I will take pity on his roofs. And the city will be built up in her heights, and the temple will be founded according to its order19And praise will go forth from them, with the voice of those who play. And I will multiply them, and they will not be lessened. And I will glorify them, and they will not be weakened20And their sons will be as in the beginning. And their assembly will remain in my sight. And I will visit against all those who trouble them21And their ruler will be one of their own. And their prince will be led forward from their midst. And I will draw him near, and he will cling to me. For who is the one who applies his heart, so that he may draw near to me, says the Lord22And you shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Matthew
22And Jesus promptly compelled his disciples to climb into the boat, and to precede him in crossing the sea, while he dismissed the crowds23And having dismissed the multitude, he ascended alone onto a mountain to pray. And when evening arrived, he was alone there24But in the midst of the sea, the boat was being tossed about by the waves. For the wind was against them25Then, in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them, walking upon the sea26And seeing him walking upon the sea, they were disturbed, saying: "It must be an apparition." And they cried out, because of fear27And immediately, Jesus spoke to them, saying: "Have faith. It is I. Do not be afraid.28Then Peter responded by saying, "Lord, if it is you, order me come to you over the waters.29And he said, "Come." And Peter, descending from the boat, walked over the water, so as to go to Jesus30Yet truly, seeing that the wind was strong, he was afraid. And as he began to sink, he cried out, saying: "Lord, save me.31And immediately Jesus extended his hand and took hold of him. And he said to him, "O little in faith, why did you doubt?32And when they had ascended into the boat, the wind ceased33Then those who were in the boat drew near and adored him, saying: "Truly, you are the Son of God.34And having crossed the sea, they arrived in the land of Genesaret35And when the men of that place had recognized him, they sent into all that region, and they brought to him all who had maladies36And they petitioned him, so that they might touch even the hem of his garment. And as many as touched it were made whole
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope, faith, and restoration. The first reading from Jeremiah speaks to a people in exile, burdened by their sins and suffering. Yet, even in the midst of their pain, God offers a promise of healing and renewal. He declares that He will restore the tabernacles of Jacob, rebuild the city, and bring joy and prosperity to His people. This is not merely a distant hope but a divine assurance that God’s mercy and love will prevail, even in the face of great affliction.
The Gospel reading from Matthew complements this theme of hope and restoration through the story of Jesus walking on the water. After feeding the multitude, Jesus sends His disciples ahead in a boat, while He remains to pray. As a storm arises, the disciples are tossed about by the waves, symbolizing the trials and fears we all face in life. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water, and Peter, in a moment of faith, steps out to meet Him. Though Peter falters and begins to sink, Jesus immediately reaches out and saves him. This narrative reminds us that even when our faith is weak, Jesus is always near, ready to rescue us and bring us to safety.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on our own lives. Like the exiles in Jeremiah’s time, we may feel wounded or lost, but God’s promise of restoration is ever-present. Like Peter, we may doubt or fear, but Jesus calls us to trust in Him, even when the waves of life seem overwhelming. Let us cling to faith, knowing that God’s power and love can calm every storm. In moments of uncertainty, may we turn to Jesus, the Son of God, and seek His healing touch, remembering that He is always with us, guiding us toward peace and wholeness.