Daily Readings - Mon Jul 14 2025
Exodus
8Meanwhile, there arose a new king over Egypt, who was ignorant of Joseph9And he said to his people: "Behold, the people of the sons of Israel are many, and they are stronger than we are10Come, let us wisely oppress them, lest they multiply; and if any war should advance against us, they may be added to our enemies, and having fought against us, they might depart from the land.11And so he set over them masters of the works, in order to afflict them with burdens. And they built for Pharaoh the cities of the tabernacles: Pithom and Raamses12And the more they oppressed them, so much more did they multiply and increase13And the Egyptians hated the sons of Israel, and they afflicted them and mocked them14And they led their life directly into bitterness, with hard work in clay and brick, and with all kinds of servitude, so that they were being overwhelmed with the works of the land22Therefore, Pharaoh instructed all his people, saying: "Whatever will be born of the male sex, cast it into the river; whatever will be born of the female sex, retain it.
Matthew
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.
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, struggle, and divine providence. The first reading from Exodus describes the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, where a new Pharaoh, fearful of their growing numbers, imposes harsh labor and decrees the death of all male infants. This sets the stage for the eventual liberation of God's people, highlighting the tension between human oppression and God's plan for salvation. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus' challenging words about the cost of discipleship. He speaks of division within families and the necessity of carrying one's cross, emphasizing that true fidelity to Him requires sacrifice and prioritizing His will above all else. Jesus also assures His disciples that those who receive them in His name will be rewarded, even in the simplest acts of kindness.
The context of these readings reveals the broader themes of struggle and trust in God's plan. In Exodus, the Israelites' suffering is not without purpose; it is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant faithfulness. Similarly, in Matthew, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face as they spread His message. Both readings remind us that following God does not guarantee comfort or ease but demands courage, perseverance, and trust in His ultimate plan.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on how we respond to struggles and challenges. Like the Israelites in Egypt, we may face situations that feel oppressive or unjust, but we are called to trust that God is always at work, even when His ways are not immediately clear. Like the disciples, we are called to fidelity and sacrifice, prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else. In a world that often values comfort and security, these readings challenge us to embrace the cross and to live with a deeper sense of purpose and commitment to our faith. Let us strive to trust in God's plan, even in the midst of difficulty, and to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.