Daily Readings - Sun Aug 02 2020
Isaiah
1"Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.2Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food.3Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.
Romans
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Matthew
13Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns.14When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.15Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves."16But Jesus said, "They need not go away; you give them something to eat."17They said to him, "We have only five loaves here and two fish."18And he said, "Bring them here to me."19Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds.20And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.21And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter a profound narrative of God's boundless love and provision. The First Reading from Isaiah invites us to seek spiritual nourishment, urging us to turn to God who offers abundance without cost. The Second Reading from Romans reassures us that no trial can separate us from God's love, highlighting an unbreakable bond. The Gospel presents Jesus feeding the 5000, a miracle that exemplifies divine provision and generosity.
Each reading, though from different contexts, weaves a tapestry of God's care. Isaiah, speaking to exiles, offers hope in spiritual renewal. Paul, in his letter, strengthens the faithful amidst persecution. Matthew's account of the feeding miracle shows Jesus addressing physical needs, demonstrating that God's love encompasses both body and soul. Together, they remind us of God's faithfulness in all aspects of life.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's providence, especially in times of scarcity or uncertainty. Just as the disciples shared the little they had, we are called to generosity, trusting that our resources, however meager, can be multiplied. Let us remember that God's love endures through all trials, nurturing both our spirits and our lives. May we embrace this love and share it abundantly with others.