Daily Readings - Sat Jul 20 2019

³⁷And the people of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.³⁸A mixed multitude also went up with them, and very much livestock, both flocks and herds.³⁹And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they had brought out of Egypt, for it was not leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt and could not wait, nor had they prepared any provisions for themselves.⁴⁰The time that the people of Israel lived in Egypt was 430 years.⁴¹At the end of 430 years, on that very day, all the hosts of the LORD went out from the land of Egypt.⁴²It was a night of watching by the LORD, to bring them out of the land of Egypt; so this same night is a night of watching kept to the LORD by all the people of Israel throughout their generations.

Matthew

Chapter 12

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 moments of liberation and fulfillment. The first reading from Exodus describes the Israelites’ departure from Egypt, a pivotal moment in their history. The text emphasizes the haste of their departure, as they left with unleavened bread, symbolizing their trust in God’s providence. This event marks the beginning of their journey toward freedom and their identity as God’s chosen people. The second reading from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who, despite facing opposition from the Pharisees, continues his mission of healing and teaching. The passage highlights Jesus’ gentle and non-confrontational approach, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of a servant who brings hope and judgment to the nations. These readings are deeply connected. The Exodus narrative reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the importance of trust in times of uncertainty. Similarly, Matthew’s Gospel shows us Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, embodying humility and compassion. Both readings invite us to reflect on how God works in our lives, often in unexpected and quiet ways. Just as the Israelites had to trust in God’s plan despite the chaos of their departure, we too are called to trust in God’s timing and wisdom, even when the path ahead seems unclear. In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace humility and gentleness. Like Jesus, we are called to serve others without seeking power or recognition. We are reminded that true strength lies not in force or noise, but in patience and compassion. As we navigate our own journeys, may we draw inspiration from the Israelites’ trust in God and Jesus’ example of servant leadership. Let us strive to live with faith, hope, and love, trusting that God is always at work, even in the quietest moments.