Daily Readings - Fri Jul 04 2025
Genesis
1Now Sarah lived for one hundred and twenty-seven years2And she died in the city of Arba, which is Hebron, in the land of Canaan. And Abraham came to mourn and weep for her3And when he had risen up from the funeral duties, he spoke to the sons of Heth, saying4"I am a newcomer and a sojourner among you. Give me the right of a sepulcher among you, so that I may bury my dead.19So then, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the double cave of the field that overlooked Mamre. This is Hebron in the land of Canaan
1Now Abraham was old and of many days. And the Lord had blessed him in all things2And he said to the elder servant of his house, who was in charge of all that he had: "Place your hand under my thigh3so that I may make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live4But that you will proceed to my land and kindred, and from there take a wife for my son Isaac.5The servant responded, "If the woman is not willing to come with me into this land, must I lead your son back to the place from which you departed?6And Abraham said: "Beware that you never lead my son back to that place7The Lord God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my nativity, who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land,’ himself will send his Angel before you, and you will take from there a wife for my son8But if the woman is not willing to follow you, you will not be held by the oath. Only do not lead my son back to that place.62Then, at the same time, Isaac was walking along the way that leads to the well, whose name is: ‘of the One who lives and who sees.’ For he dwelt in the southern land63And he had gone out to meditate in the field, as daylight was now declining. And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw camels advancing from afar64Likewise, Rebekah, having seen Isaac, descended from the camel65And she said to the servant, "Who is that man who advances to meet us through the field?" And he said to her, "That is my lord." And so, quickly taking up her cloak, she covered herself66Then the servant explained to Isaac all that he had done67And he led her into the tent of Sarah his mother, and he accepted her as wife. And he loved her so very much, that it tempered the sorrow which befell him at his mother’s death
Matthew
9And when Jesus passed on from there, he saw, sitting at the tax office, a man named Matthew. And he said to him, "Follow me." And rising up, he followed him10And it happened that, as he was sitting down to eat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners arrived, and they sat down to eat with Jesus and his disciples11And the Pharisees, seeing this, said to his disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?12But Jesus, hearing this, said: "It is not those who are healthy who are in need of a physician, but those who have maladies13So then, go out and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the just, but sinners.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our faith journey. The first reading from Genesis illustrates Abraham's unwavering trust in God's plan. Abraham, in his old age, entrusts his servant to find a wife for Isaac, not from the Canaanites but from his own kin. This act of faith underscores Abraham's belief in God's promise to his descendants. The servant's journey and the eventual meeting with Rebekah highlight God's providence, showing how His plan unfolds through human actions, teaching us to trust in divine timing and guidance.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus' mission. Jesus calls Matthew, a tax collector, and dines with sinners, prompting the Pharisees to question His actions. Jesus' response emphasizes mercy over ritual, declaring He came for the sinners. This teaches us that faith is not about righteousness but about embracing God's mercy and extending it to others. Jesus' actions show that true faith involves reaching out to those on the margins, just as Abraham trusted God to bring people into His plan.
These readings remind us to trust God's plan and live with mercy. Like Abraham, we should have faith in God's providence, even when uncertain. Like Jesus, we should embrace those around us, especially those who feel distant from God. In our daily lives, let us trust in God's timing and show compassion, understanding that faith is about relationship and reckless love. May we, like Abraham and Jesus, trust God's plan and live mercifully.