Daily Readings - Sat Jul 29 2017
Exodus
3Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, "All the words that the LORD has spoken we will do."4And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He rose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.5And he sent young men of the people of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the LORD.6And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar.7Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient."8And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words."
Gospel - John 11.17-27 or Luke 10.38-42
John
17Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days.18Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles off,19and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother.20So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house.21Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.22But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you."23Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again."24Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day."25Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live,26and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?"27She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."
Luke
38Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.39And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.40But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."41But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,42but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of covenant and promise. The first reading from Exodus describes Moses establishing a covenant with the Israelites, sealed with the sprinkling of blood, symbolizing their commitment to follow God's laws. This ritual binds the people to God, marking the beginning of a sacred relationship. The second reading from John presents Jesus as the source of eternal life, as He comforts Martha and Mary after Lazarus's death. Jesus's declaration, "I am the Resurrection and the Life," offers a new covenant through His own blood, promising eternal life to all who believe.
These passages are deeply connected through the themes of covenant and life. In Exodus, the blood of animals seals the covenant, while in John, Jesus's blood inaugurates a new covenant, offering not just a set of laws but the gift of eternal life. This transition from the old to the new covenant highlights God's enduring promise to His people, evolving from a legal bond to a personal, life-giving relationship through Jesus.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on our faith and trust in God's promises. Just as Martha trusted Jesus's power, we too can place our trust in His promise of eternal life. This faith should inspire our actions and decisions, guiding us to live with hope and resilience, knowing that our ultimate hope is in the resurrection and life through Christ. Let us embrace this covenant with gratitude, living each day with the assurance of eternal life that Jesus offers.