Daily Readings - Fri Jul 09 2021
Genesis
1So Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac.2And God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said, "Jacob, Jacob." And he said, "Here am I."3Then he said, "I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation.4I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph's hand shall close your eyes."5Then Jacob set out from Beersheba. The sons of Israel carried Jacob their father, their little ones, and their wives, in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him.6They also took their livestock and their goods, which they had gained in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob and all his offspring with him,7his sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters. All his offspring he brought with him into Egypt.28He had sent Judah ahead of him to Joseph to show the way before him in Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen.29Then Joseph prepared his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father in Goshen. He presented himself to him and fell on his neck and wept on his neck a good while.30Israel said to Joseph, "Now let me die, since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive."
Matthew
16"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.17Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,18and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles.19When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour.20For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.21Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death,22and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.23When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Jacob, who, guided by God, travels to Egypt with his family. Despite the uncertainties of the journey and the challenges of leaving the land of Canaan, Jacob trusts in God’s promise to make of him a great nation. The passage highlights Jacob’s deep faith and the emotional reunion with his son Joseph, who had been separated from him for many years. This story reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s providence, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a very different scene. Jesus sends his disciples out into the world, warning them that they will face persecution and hardship. He encourages them to be wise and innocent, trusting that the Holy Spirit will guide them in their moments of trial. This passage emphasizes the cost of discipleship and the need for courage and perseverance in the face of adversity. Just as Jacob trusted God in his journey, the disciples are called to trust in God’s presence and strength as they carry out their mission.
Both readings remind us that faith is not about avoiding challenges but about trusting God in the midst of them. In our own lives, we may face uncertainties, difficulties, or even persecution. Like Jacob, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when the future seems uncertain. Like the disciples, we are called to be bold in living out our faith, knowing that God will give us the grace we need to persevere. Let us ask for the strength to remain faithful, even in the face of trials, and to trust that God is always with us, guiding us on our journey.