Daily Readings - Sat Jul 19 2025

³⁷And the sons of Israel set out from Rameses to Soccoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides little ones³⁸But also an innumerable mix of common people ascended with them, sheep and herds and animals of diverse kinds, exceedingly many³⁹And they baked the bread, which a little while ago they had taken out of Egypt as dough. And they made unleavened bread baked under ashes. For it was not able to be leavened, with the Egyptians compelling them to leave and not permitting them to cause any delay. Neither did they have occasion to prepare any meat⁴⁰Now the habitation of the sons of Israel, while they remained in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years⁴¹Having been completed, on the same day all the army of the Lord departed from the land of Egypt⁴²This night is a worthy observance of the Lord, when he led them out of the land of Egypt. This all the sons of Israel must observe in their generations

Matthew

Chapter 12

¹⁴Then the Pharisees, departing, took council against him, as to how they might destroy him¹⁵But Jesus, knowing this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he cured them all¹⁶And he instructed them, lest they make him known¹⁷Then what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah was fulfilled, saying¹⁸"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased. I will place my Spirit over him, and he shall announce judgment to the nations¹⁹He shall not contend, nor cry out, neither shall anyone hear his voice in the streets²⁰He shall not crush the bruised reed, and he shall not extinguish the smoking wick, until he sends forth judgment unto victory²¹And the Gentiles shall hope in his name.

Sermon

The first reading from Exodus recounts the Israelites' hasty departure from Egypt, marking the end of their 430-year sojourn and the beginning of their journey to freedom. The text emphasizes the urgency of their exit, as they left with unleavened bread, unable to wait for it to rise. This moment is not just a historical event but a sacred observance, a night to be remembered for generations—a testament to God's deliverance. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who, aware of the Pharisees' plot against him, withdraws and continues his ministry of healing. Here, Jesus embodies the gentle and humble servant prophesied by Isaiah, one who brings hope not through confrontation but through quiet, steadfast love. Both readings invite us to reflect on trust and humility. The Israelites had to trust God's plan, leaving behind the familiar and embracing the unknown. Similarly, Jesus, in the face of opposition, trusted in his Father's will, choosing not to confront but to continue his mission of healing and hope. These stories remind us that God often works in ways that are not loud or forceful but gentle and persistent. Like the Israelites, we are called to trust in God's timing and provision, even when the path ahead is uncertain. Like Jesus, we are called to approach life with humility, avoiding unnecessary conflict and instead seeking to bring light and hope to those around us. In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace trust and humility. When we feel pressured or threatened, we can withdraw to a place of prayer and discernment, trusting that God is at work. When we face opposition or difficulty, we can choose to respond with gentleness rather than aggression, knowing that true strength lies in meekness. Let us remember that our ultimate hope is not in our own efforts but in the quiet, persistent work of God's Spirit in us and through us. May we, like the Israelites and like Jesus, walk in faith and humility, trusting that God's plan will prevail.