Daily Readings - Mon Aug 12 2019
Deuteronomy
12"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,13and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD, which I am commanding you today for your good?14Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it.15Yet the LORD set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day.16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn.17For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.18He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing.19Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.20You shall fear the LORD your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear.21He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen.22Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven.
Matthew
22As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men,23and they will kill him, and he will be raised on the third day." And they were greatly distressed.24When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the half-shekel tax went up to Peter and said, "Does your teacher not pay the tax?"25He said, "Yes." And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, "What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others?"26And when he said, "From others," Jesus said to him, "Then the sons are free.27However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons about obedience, trust, and love. The first reading from Deuteronomy reminds us of God's expectations: to fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him, and serve Him wholeheartedly. It also emphasizes care for the marginalized, reflecting God's love for all. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus predicting His death and resurrection, followed by the miracle of the temple tax, showcasing Jesus' submission to the law and His divine authority.
Both readings highlight obedience to God's will. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are called to covenant obedience, while in Matthew, Jesus embodies ultimate obedience through His mission. This dual emphasis teaches us to trust God's plan, even in difficult times, and to live lives of love and service. The miracle of the shekel illustrates that when we align with God's will, He provides what we need, reinforcing trust and obedience.
These teachings apply to our daily lives by encouraging us to embrace God's plan with faith, even when uncertain. We are called to love and serve others, especially the marginalized, mirroring God's compassion. The moral lesson is clear: surrender to God's will and live with love and trust, knowing His providence guides us. Let us strive to follow this path, trusting in His goodness and living out our faith in service to others.