Daily Readings - Thu Jul 27 2023
Exodus
1On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.2They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain,9And the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever."When Moses told the words of the people to the LORD,10the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments11and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.16On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.17Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain.18Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.19And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder.20The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
Matthew
10Then the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"11And he answered them, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.12For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.13This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.14Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: "'You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.15For this people's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.'16But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.17Truly, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of divine revelation, each inviting us to reflect on how we receive God's word. The first reading from Exodus 19 describes the dramatic scene at Mount Sinai, where God's presence is manifested through thunder, lightning, and smoke. The Israelites, in awe, prepare to receive the law, a pivotal moment in their covenant with God. This theophany underscores the importance of preparation and openness to God's revelation.
In the Gospel, Matthew 13 presents Jesus explaining the purpose of parables. He reveals that these stories are a form of divine truth, accessible to those with faith but hidden from those with hardened hearts. Jesus blesses the disciples for their ability to see and hear, contrasting them with past prophets who longed for such revelation. This highlights the spiritual state of the audience and their readiness to understand divine teachings.
Both readings connect through the theme of divine revelation and human response. Exodus shows a community prepared to receive God's law, while Matthew illustrates the individual's role in receiving Jesus' teachings. These passages remind us to approach God's word with openness and faith, avoiding the hardness of heart that can hinder understanding. As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek to be like the disciples—receptive and eager to embrace God's truth, allowing it to transform our hearts and guide our actions. May we remain open to God's revelation, ever ready to receive His word with faith and humility.