Daily Readings - Sun Jan 29 2023
Zephaniah
3Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the anger of the LORD.
12But I will leave in your midst a people humble and lowly. They shall seek refuge in the name of the LORD,13those who are left in Israel; they shall do no injustice and speak no lies, nor shall there be found in their mouth a deceitful tongue. For they shall graze and lie down, and none shall make them afraid."
1 Corinthians
26For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.27But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;28God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are,29so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.30He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, whom God made our wisdom and our righteousness and sanctification and redemption.31Therefore, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."
Matthew
1Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.5"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.7"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound values of humility and trust in God. The prophet Zephaniah urges us to seek the Lord with meekness and faith, promising rest and security for those who remain faithful. This message is echoed in the Beatitudes from Matthew's Gospel, where Jesus blesses the meek, the poor in spirit, and those who endure persecution for justice. These teachings highlight that true blessedness comes not from worldly strength but from a humble and trusting heart.
The second reading from Corinthians reinforces this theme by emphasizing God's preference for the weak and humble. Paul reminds us that our glory should be in the Lord, not in our own strengths. This aligns with Jesus' message, showing that God's ways are often counterintuitive to the world's standards. Together, these readings invite us to embrace humility and trust in God's plan, recognizing that our true strength comes from Him.
In our daily lives, let us strive to embody these values. May we find joy in humility, comfort in mourning, and peace in persecution. Let us trust in God's judgment and seek His will, knowing that our reward lies in heaven. As we navigate life's challenges, may we remember that true greatness is found in meekness and mercy, reflecting the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ.