Daily Readings - Mon Jul 17 2023
Exodus
8Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph.9And he said to his people, "Behold, the people of Israel are too many and too mighty for us.10Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and, if war breaks out, they join our enemies and fight against us and escape from the land."11Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with heavy burdens. They built for Pharaoh store cities, Pithom and Raamses.12But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel.13So they ruthlessly made the people of Israel work as slaves14and made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and brick, and in all kinds of work in the field. In all their work they ruthlessly made them work as slaves.22Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, "Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall cast into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live."
Matthew
34"Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.35For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.36And a person's enemies will be those of his own household.37Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.40"Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me.41The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.42And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."
1When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that challenge us to reflect on faith, sacrifice, and the cost of following God’s will. The first reading from Exodus describes the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, where a new pharaoh, fearful of their growing numbers, enslaves them and orders the death of all male infants. This sets the stage for the eventual liberation under Moses, highlighting the theme of God’s people enduring suffering while awaiting divine deliverance. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus speaking about the divisiveness of his mission: “I came not to bring peace, but a sword.” He emphasizes that following him requires taking up one’s cross and prioritizing faith above even family ties. Jesus also teaches about the importance of hospitality and the reward for those who receive his disciples with kindness.
These readings, though separated by centuries, are deeply connected in their exploration of conflict and commitment. In Exodus, the Israelites face external oppression, while in Matthew, the conflict is internal—within families and hearts. Both texts remind us that living according to God’s plan often involves hardship and difficult choices. The Israelites’ suffering in Egypt foreshadows the suffering that Jesus’ followers may endure, yet both stories hold out hope for ultimate deliverance and reward.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on our own willingness to embrace the challenges of faith. Are we prepared to face opposition or sacrifice for what we believe? Jesus’ words about taking up our cross remind us that discipleship is not about comfort or convenience but about fidelity to God’s will. At the same time, the Gospel’s emphasis on hospitality and care for others encourages us to see Christ in those around us, especially the vulnerable. In a world often marked by division and selfishness, these readings call us to live with courage, compassion, and trust in God’s providence. Let us strive to follow Christ, even when the path is difficult, and to welcome others with the same love and generosity that God has shown us.