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Daily Readings - Fri Jul 26 2024

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

In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the legacy of faith and the blessings we have received. The first reading from Sirach praises the ancestors who lived virtuous lives, leaving behind a name and a heritage of faith. Their deeds of mercy and piety did not fade with time, but instead, their descendants inherited a holy legacy rooted in the covenants. This passage reminds us that our actions have consequences that extend beyond our lifetimes, shaping the lives of those who come after us. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the present moment. Jesus tells his disciples that they are blessed because they see and hear what many prophets and righteous people longed to experience but could not. This is both a privilege and a responsibility. Just as the ancestors in Sirach left behind a legacy of faith, we too are called to live in a way that honors the gifts we have received. The prophets of old desired to see the Messiah and understand the mysteries of the kingdom, but that privilege has been given to us. With this blessing comes the call to live lives of gratitude, faith, and service. As we apply these readings to our daily lives, let us consider how we are using the gifts and blessings we have been given. Are we living in a way that honors the legacy of faith passed down to us? Are we sharing the blessings we have received with others? The moral lesson here is clear: we are not only recipients of God’s grace but also stewards of it. Let us strive to live with mercy, piety, and generosity, so that we too may leave behind a legacy that continues to bear fruit in the lives of others. May we be faithful in our time, just as those who came before us were faithful in theirs.