Daily Readings - Tue Aug 07 2018
Jeremiah
1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD:2"Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.12"For thus says the LORD: Your hurt is incurable, and your wound is grievous.13There is none to uphold your cause, no medicine for your wound, no healing for you.14All your lovers have forgotten you; they care nothing for you; for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy, the punishment of a merciless foe, because your guilt is great, because your sins are flagrant.15Why do you cry out over your hurt? Your pain is incurable. Because your guilt is great, because your sins are flagrant, I have done these things to you.18"Thus says the LORD: Behold, I will restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob and have compassion on his dwellings; the city shall be rebuilt on its mound, and the palace shall stand where it used to be.19Out of them shall come songs of thanksgiving, and the voices of those who celebrate. I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will make them honored, and they shall not be small.20Their children shall be as they were of old, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all who oppress them.21Their prince shall be one of themselves; their ruler shall come out from their midst; I will make him draw near, and he shall approach me, for who would dare of himself to approach me? declares the LORD.22And you shall be my people, and I will be your God."
Matthew
22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,24but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear.27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me."31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."34And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret.35And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick36and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and faith. The prophet Jeremiah speaks to a nation in exile, burdened by sin and suffering. Despite their incurable wounds and hardened hearts, God promises restoration—rebuilding the city and the temple, bringing joy and prosperity. This prophecy is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness, offering hope even in the darkest times.
The Gospel presents Jesus walking on water, a dramatic display of His divine power. The disciples, tossed by a storm, are met with fear and doubt, yet Jesus reassures them, "Have faith. It is I. Do not be afraid." Peter's attempt to walk on water, though faltering, shows the human struggle with faith. Jesus' immediate rescue underscores His constant presence and salvation, even when our faith wavers.
These readings remind us that, like the disciples, we face life's storms. Our faith may falter, but Jesus is always near, ready to save. Just as God restored Israel, He restores us, offering hope and salvation. Let us trust in His providence, knowing He is ever with us, even in our doubts and struggles.