Daily Readings - Fri Aug 11 2017
Deuteronomy
32"For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from one end of heaven to the other, whether such a great thing as this has ever happened or was ever heard of.33Did any people ever hear the voice of a god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live?34Or has any god ever attempted to go and take a nation for himself from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, and by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great deeds of terror, all of which the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?35To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides him.36Out of heaven he let you hear his voice, that he might discipline you. And on earth he let you see his great fire, and you heard his words out of the midst of the fire.37And because he loved your fathers and chose their offspring after them and brought you out of Egypt with his own presence, by his great power,38driving out before you nations greater and mightier than yourselves, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day,39know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.40Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the LORD your God is giving you for all time."
Matthew
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.26For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?27For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.28Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound invitations to faith and discipleship. The first reading from Deuteronomy reminds us of God's unique relationship with His people, highlighting the extraordinary events of their history, such as hearing God's voice from the fire and witnessing His mighty deeds in Egypt. Moses exhorts the Israelites to remember these marvels and to remain faithful to the one true God, who has shown them His power and love. The reading calls us to gratitude and fidelity, urging us to recognize God's presence in our lives and to follow His commandments.
The Gospel takes us to a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as He reveals the cost of discipleship to His followers. Jesus makes it clear that following Him requires self-denial and taking up the cross. He warns that seeking to save one's life on one's own terms leads to loss, while losing one's life for His sake leads to true life. This teaching challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and to embrace a life of sacrifice and trust in God's plan. Jesus' words are not about misery but about freedom—the freedom to live for something greater than ourselves.
Both readings remind us that faith is not passive but active. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are called to remember and obey; in Matthew, the disciples are called to deny themselves and follow. For us today, this means living with a deep awareness of God's presence and providence, even in difficult times. It means trusting that God's way is better than our own and being willing to let go of our attachments to worldly success. As we navigate our own challenges, may we find the courage to take up our crosses and follow Jesus, knowing that true life is found in Him.