Daily Readings - Sat Jul 21 2018
Micah
1Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand.2They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance.3Therefore thus says the LORD: behold, against this family I am devising disaster, from which you cannot remove your necks, and you shall not walk haughtily, for it will be a time of disaster.4In that day they shall take up a taunt song against you and moan bitterly, and say, "We are utterly ruined; he changes the portion of my people; how he removes it from me! To an apostate he allots our fields."5Therefore you will have none to cast the line by lot in the assembly of the LORD.
Matthew
14But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.15Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. And many followed him, and he healed them all16and ordered them not to make him known.17This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah:18"Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles.19He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets;20a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory;21and in his name the Gentiles will hope."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages about justice, humility, and the consequences of our actions. The first reading from Micah condemns those who exploit the vulnerable and engage in unjust practices, warning that their actions will lead to their downfall. This passage reflects Micah's call to the people of Israel to repent from their sins and return to a life of integrity and fairness. The second reading from Matthew shows Jesus fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah as the gentle servant who brings justice without force or arrogance. Despite the Pharisees' plots against him, Jesus continues his healing ministry, embodying patience and trust in God's plan.
These readings are connected by their focus on justice and the right way to achieve it. Micah emphasizes the consequences of injustice and the importance of living according to God's will, while Matthew presents Jesus as the model of humility and non-violent justice. Together, they remind us that true justice must be rooted in love, compassion, and trust in God. Jesus shows us that even in the face of opposition, we should remain steadfast in doing good and avoiding harmful actions.
In our daily lives, these readings call us to reflect on how we treat others and whether our actions align with God's will. We are challenged to stand against injustice, but to do so with humility and love, as Jesus did. Let us strive to live with integrity, treating others fairly and trusting in God's plan. May we be instruments of justice and peace in our world, following the example of Christ, the gentle servant who brought light to the nations.