Daily Readings - Tue Oct 02 2018
Exodus
20"Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.21Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him.22"But if you carefully obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries.23"When my angel goes before you and brings you to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I blot them out,
Matthew
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"2And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them3and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5"Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me,10"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of divine guidance and humility. In Exodus, God promises to send an angel to guide the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of heeding this divine messenger. This passage underscores God's providential care and the necessity of trust and obedience. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that humility, exemplified by the innocence of a child, is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven. He also highlights the special protection and dignity of the vulnerable, noting that their angels are always in God's presence.
These readings are connected by the theme of trust in God's plan. The angel in Exodus represents God's active presence guiding His people, while the child in Matthew symbolizes the humility required to follow God's will. Together, they remind us that our journey with God requires both trust in His guidance and a humble heart open to His teachings.
In our daily lives, we can apply these lessons by seeking to trust in God's providence, even when the path is unclear. Embracing humility allows us to approach life with the openness and simplicity of a child, recognizing the inherent dignity in all people. Let us strive to live with faith and humility, trusting in God's plan and valuing the vulnerable, as we journey toward the kingdom of heaven.