Daily Readings - Wed Jul 31 2019
Exodus
29When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God.30Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him.31But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them.32Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he commanded them all that the LORD had spoken with him in Mount Sinai.33And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.34Whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded,35the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.
Matthew
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound images of encountering the divine. In Exodus, Moses descends from Mount Sinai, his face radiant from his intimate conversation with God. This radiance is so awe-inspiring that the people are afraid to approach him, forcing Moses to veil his face. Yet, when he speaks to God, he removes the veil, symbolizing the direct and unobstructed relationship he has with the Lord. In the Gospel, Jesus tells two parables about the Kingdom of Heaven: the treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great value. Both stories emphasize the joy and sacrifice required to possess something of ultimate worth.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and the Kingdom of Heaven. Moses’ radiance reminds us that encountering God transforms us, often in ways that others can see. The veil Moses wears suggests that while we may hide our true selves from the world, we must be unmasked before God. The parables in Matthew challenge us to consider what we are willing to give up in order to possess the greatest treasure—God’s love and grace. Just as the man in the parable sells everything to buy the field, we are called to prioritize our spiritual lives above all else.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to seek God with the same joy and determination as the characters in the parables. Let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to let go of distractions and sins that prevent me from fully embracing God’s presence? Like Moses, may our encounters with God leave us transformed and radiant. And like the man who found the treasure, may we cherish the Kingdom of Heaven above all else, willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to live in accordance with God’s will.