Daily Readings - Thu Aug 03 2023
Exodus
16This Moses did; according to all that the LORD commanded him, so he did.17In the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was erected.18Moses erected the tabernacle. He laid its bases, and set up its frames, and put in its poles, and raised up its pillars.19And he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent over it, as the LORD had commanded Moses.20He took the testimony and put it into the ark, and put the poles on the ark and set the mercy seat above on the ark.21And he brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as the LORD had commanded Moses.34Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.35And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out.37But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up.38For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys.
Matthew
47"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind.48When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad.49So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous50and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.51"Have you understood all these things?" They said to him, "Yes."52And he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old."
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on God's presence and our responsibility as disciples. The first reading from Exodus describes Moses meticulously erecting the tabernacle, a sanctuary where God's glory resides. The tabernacle, filled with the cloud of God's presence, guides the Israelites, symbolizing God's active role in their lives. This passage underscores the importance of creating sacred spaces—both physical and spiritual—where God's presence can dwell.
The Gospel from Matthew presents the parable of the net, illustrating the kingdom of heaven as a net gathering all kinds of fish, which are later separated into good and bad. This parable reminds us of the inevitable judgment, where our actions and choices will be assessed. Jesus emphasizes that a true disciple, like a well-taught scribe, values both old and new wisdom, applying these teachings in their life.
These readings connect through themes of divine presence and accountability. Exodus shows us the tabernacle as a place of God's presence, while Matthew's parable calls us to live in a manner that reflects our faith, mindful of the judgment to come. In our daily lives, we are invited to create sacred spaces within our hearts, nurturing God's presence through prayer and reflection. We must also live with intentionality, ensuring our actions align with our faith, preparing for the day when our lives will be examined.
As we reflect, let us consider how we embody God's presence and live in anticipation of His judgment. May we strive to be disciples who cherish both tradition and new insights, using them to guide our actions. Let us live with purpose, creating a sanctuary of love and righteousness, ever-ready to stand before God with hearts full of grace.