Daily Readings - Fri Aug 07 2020
Nahum
15Behold, upon the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, O Judah; fulfill your vows, for never again shall the worthless pass through you; he is utterly cut off.
2For the LORD is restoring the majesty of Jacob as the majesty of Israel, for plunderers have plundered them and ruined their branches.
1Woe to the bloody city, all full of lies and plunder--no end to the prey!2The crack of the whip, and rumble of the wheel, galloping horse and bounding chariot!3Horsemen charging, flashing sword and glittering spear, hosts of slain, heaps of corpses, dead bodies without end--they stumble over the bodies!6I will throw filth at you and treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle.7And all who look at you will shrink from you and say, Wasted is Nineveh; who will grieve for her? Where shall I seek comforters for you?
Matthew
24Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.25For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.26For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?27For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.28Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to live a life aligned with God's will, emphasizing the consequences of our choices and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Nahum paints a vivid picture of judgment upon Nineveh, a city steeped in corruption and violence. Nahum's prophecy underscores the inevitability of God's justice, where the once-mighty city faces ruin due to its refusal to repent. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's path.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus' teachings on discipleship, highlighting the necessity of self-denial and taking up the cross. Jesus' words challenge us to reevaluate our priorities, emphasizing that true life is found not in worldly gains but in sacrificing for the sake of faith. The passage also touches on the eschatological hope of Christ's return, where each person will be judged according to their deeds. This serves as both a warning and an encouragement to live with integrity and purpose.
Connecting these readings, Nahum's prophecy illustrates the dire consequences of ignoring God's will, while Matthew offers the solution: following Christ through self-denial. In our daily lives, this means prioritizing spiritual values over material success and embracing sacrifices as part of our faith journey. The moral lesson is clear: a life well-lived is measured by fidelity to God, not earthly achievements. As we navigate our own paths, may we find the courage to carry our crosses, trusting in God's justice and mercy, and striving to live in accordance with His will.