Daily Readings - Mon Jul 15 2024

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

Chapter 10

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.

Chapter 11

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 two powerful messages that challenge us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the way we live it out. The first reading from Isaiah confronts us with a stark reality: outward acts of worship and sacrifice mean little if they are not accompanied by justice, compassion, and a genuine change of heart. Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, rebuking the people for their empty rituals and calling them to “learn to do good” by seeking justice and defending the vulnerable. This is not merely a critique of ancient Israel but a timeless reminder that faith must be lived out in tangible ways. The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a similar challenge, though in a different tone. Jesus speaks of division and the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that following Him requires more than superficial commitment. He calls us to take up our cross, to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, and to recognize that true life is found in self-sacrifice. The second part of the reading reminds us that even small acts of kindness, such as giving a cup of cold water to someone in need, are meaningful in God’s eyes. Jesus’ words remind us that discipleship is not about comfort or ease but about living in a way that reflects His love and values. These readings are deeply connected. Both Isaiah and Jesus emphasize that faith is not just about rituals or words but about actions that reflect a transformed heart. Isaiah calls us to move beyond empty sacrifices to lives of justice and compassion, while Jesus calls us to embrace the challenges of discipleship and to live in a way that prioritizes love and service. Together, they remind us that true worship is not confined to temples or churches but is lived out in our daily choices and interactions. As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are our actions aligned with our faith? Do we prioritize justice, compassion, and love in our lives? Let us strive to move beyond superficial religiosity and instead embrace the radical call to live as disciples of Christ. May we seek to do good, stand with the oppressed, and reflect God’s love in all that we do. In doing so, we will find true life and fulfill the call to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.