Daily Readings - Thu Apr 04 2019
Exodus
7And the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.8They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it and said, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!'"9And the LORD said to Moses, "I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people.10Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you."11But Moses implored the LORD his God and said, "O LORD, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, whom you have brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?12Why should the Egyptians say, 'With evil intent did he bring them out, to kill them in the mountains and to consume them from the face of the earth'? Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people.13Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, 'I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your offspring, and they shall inherit it forever.'"14And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.
John
18This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.31If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not deemed true.32There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true.33You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.34Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved.35He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.36But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.37And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen,38and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent.39You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,40yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.41I do not receive glory from people.42But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.43I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.44How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?45Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope.46If you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.47But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?"
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith and trust in God. The first reading from Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites crafting a golden calf while Moses is on Mount Sinai. Their impatience and lack of faith lead them to seek comfort in a tangible idol, prompting God's anger. However, Moses intercedes, reminding God of His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and God's wrath is appeased. This story highlights the Israelites' struggle with trust and the importance of mediation and faithfulness.
The Gospel from John presents Jesus addressing the Jews who doubt His claims. Jesus emphasizes that His works and the Father's testimony validate His identity, yet the people remain unbelieving. He references John the Baptist and Moses, noting that while they were believed, He is not. Jesus points out that the people's unbelief stems from seeking glory from each other rather than from God. This passage underscores the theme of unbelief and the need to seek divine validation over human approval.
These readings relate through their exploration of faith and trust. The Israelites' idolatry and the Jews' skepticism both illustrate humanity's recurring struggle with faith. In our daily lives, we may face similar challenges—turning to worldly comforts when God seems distant or doubting His presence. Yet, like Moses, we are called to intercede and trust in God's promises. Jesus reminds us that true faith requires looking beyond human validation to the divine testimony.
The moral lesson here is the importance of steadfast faith and trust in God's plan, even amidst uncertainty. Just as Moses interceded and Jesus remained faithful, we too must cultivate trust in God, seeking His glory above all else. Let us reflect on our own faith journeys, acknowledging moments of doubt and impatience, and strive to deepen our trust in God's promises.