Daily Readings - Wed Aug 05 2020
Jeremiah
1"At that time, declares the LORD, I will be the God of all the clans of Israel, and they shall be my people."2Thus says the LORD: "The people who survived the sword found grace in the wilderness; when Israel sought for rest,3the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.4Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines and shall go forth in the dance of the merrymakers.5Again you shall plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant and shall enjoy the fruit.6For there shall be a day when watchmen will call in the hill country of Ephraim: 'Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the LORD our God.'"7For thus says the LORD: "Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, 'O LORD, save your people, the remnant of Israel.'
Matthew
21And Jesus went away from there and withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon.22And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon."23But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, "Send her away, for she is crying out after us."24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."25But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me."26And he answered, "It is not right to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."27She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."28Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire." And her daughter was healed instantly.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound expressions of God's love and mercy. The prophet Jeremiah brings a message of hope to Israel during their exile, promising restoration and joy. God's eternal love is highlighted, reassuring Israel that they will be rebuilt and rejoice once more. This passage emphasizes God's faithfulness and the hope of redemption, even in the darkest times.
The Gospel presents a Canaanite woman whose persistence and faith in Jesus lead to her daughter's healing. Initially, Jesus seems reluctant, but her unwavering faith moves Him to act, demonstrating that His mission extends beyond the Jews to all people. This story underscores the power of faith and the universality of God's love.
These readings remind us to trust in God's love and mercy, especially in challenging times. They call us to embrace God's love and share it with others, just as Jesus did. Let us be inspired to live with hope and faith, knowing God's love is always available to us and to all people.