Daily Readings - Fri Aug 08 2025
Deuteronomy
32Inquire concerning the days of antiquity, which were before you, from the day when God created man upon the earth, from one end of heaven to another, if anything similar has ever occurred, or whether any such thing has ever been known33that a people would hear the voice of God, speaking from the midst of fire, just as you have heard it, and live34whether God has acted so as to enter and take for himself a nation from the midst of the nations, by means of tests, signs, and wonders, by means of fighting, and a strong hand, and an outstretched arm, and terrible visions, in accord with all the things which the Lord your God has accomplished for you in Egypt, in the sight of your eyes35So may you know that the Lord himself is God, and there is no other beside him36He has caused you to hear his voice from heaven, so that he might teach you. And he showed you his exceedingly great fire on earth, and you heard his words from the midst of the fire37For he loved your fathers, and he chose their offspring after them. And he led you away from Egypt, advancing before you with his great power38so as to wipe away, upon your arrival, nations, very great and stronger than you, and so as to lead you in, and to present to you their land as a possession, just as you discern in the present day39Therefore, know on this day and consider in your heart, that the Lord himself is God in heaven above, and on earth below, and there is no other40Keep his precepts and commandments, which I am teaching to you, so that it may be well with you, and with your sons after you, and so that you may remain for a long time upon the land, which the Lord your God will give to you.
Matthew
24Then Jesus said to his disciples: "If anyone is willing to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me25For whoever would save his life, will lose it. But whoever will have lost his life for my sake, shall find it26For how does it benefit a man, if he gains the whole world, yet truly suffers damage to his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul27For the Son of man will arrive in the glory of his Father, with his Angels. And then he will repay each one according to his works28Amen I say to you, there are some among those standing here, who shall not taste death, until they see the Son of man arriving in his reign.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s relationship with humanity and the call to live a life of faith and discipleship. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the unique and extraordinary ways God has acted in their history. He calls them to remember the wonders and signs God performed to set them free from slavery in Egypt and to establish them as His chosen people. Moses emphasizes that there is no other God besides the Lord, who has revealed Himself in such a dramatic and personal way. This passage is a call to fidelity and gratitude, urging the people to keep God’s commandments and trust in His providence.
In the Gospel, Jesus shifts the focus from the mighty acts of God in the past to the radical demands of following Him in the present. He tells His disciples that true discipleship requires self-denial, taking up one’s cross, and following Him. This is not a call to occasional sacrifice but to a complete reorientation of life. Jesus warns that chasing worldly success or comfort at the expense of one’s soul is a hollow victory. He reminds us that our ultimate judgment will be based on how we have lived in accordance with His will. The passage ends with a glimpse of hope: some of those standing with Him will see the glory of the kingdom before they die, a promise that encourages perseverance and faith.
Together, these readings remind us that our lives are not our own but are part of a larger story of God’s love and redemption. Like the Israelites, we are called to remember the ways God has worked in our lives and to respond with faith and obedience. Like the disciples, we are invited to embrace a life of self-giving love, trusting that true fulfillment comes not from what we possess or achieve but from following Jesus. Let us ask ourselves today: Am I living as though God is the center of my life? Am I willing to let go of my own desires and ambitions to follow Him? May we find the courage to take up our cross and follow Christ, knowing that in doing so, we will discover true life and eternal joy.