Daily Readings - Mon Jul 13 2020
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom! Give ear to the teaching of our God, you people of Gomorrah!11"What to me is the multitude of your sacrifices? says the LORD; I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of well-fed beasts; I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of goats.12"When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts?13Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations--I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.14Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.15When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.16Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil,17learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.
Matthew
34"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.40"Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.41The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.42And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
1When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter a powerful message about the essence of true faith and discipleship. The first reading from Isaiah delivers a stark rebuke to those who prioritize rituals over righteousness. God rejects their sacrifices and gatherings because their actions do not align with justice and compassion. The prophet calls for a transformation from empty worship to a life of doing good, seeking justice, and defending the vulnerable. This passage reminds us that faith without action is hollow.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus' challenging words about the nature of His mission. He comes not to bring peace but division, highlighting the radical commitment required to follow Him. Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship involves prioritizing God above all else, even family ties. The second part of the reading underscores the importance of receiving and supporting those who serve God, whether they are prophets, the just, or even the least among us. Giving a simple cup of water to someone in need is an act of faith that reflects our commitment to Jesus.
These readings together call us to reflect on our own lives. Are we content with superficial religious practices, or do we allow our faith to transform us into agents of justice and compassion? Jesus' words challenge us to examine our priorities and actions. Let us strive to live out our faith authentically, standing up for the oppressed and serving others with humility. In doing so, we embody the true meaning of discipleship, ensuring that our worship is not in vain but a reflection of God's love and justice in the world.