Daily Readings - Wed Jul 31 2024
Jeremiah
10Woe is me, my mother, that you bore me, a man of strife and contention to the whole land! I have not lent, nor have I borrowed, yet all of them curse me.16Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O LORD, God of hosts.17I did not sit in the company of revelers, nor did I rejoice; I sat alone, because your hand was upon me, for you had filled me with indignation.18Why is my pain unceasing, my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? Will you be to me like a deceitful brook, like waters that fail?19Therefore thus says the LORD: "If you return, I will restore you, and you shall stand before me. If you utter what is precious, and not what is worthless, you shall be as my mouth. They shall turn to you, but you shall not turn to them.20And I will make you to this people a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you, but they shall not prevail over you, for I am with you to save you and deliver you, declares the LORD.21I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and redeem you from the grasp of the ruthless."
Matthew
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls,46who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the theme of seeking and valuing spiritual treasures, even amidst challenges and sacrifices. The first reading from Jeremiah presents a prophet in distress, expressing his lament and struggle with his mission. Jeremiah feels the weight of his calling, facing opposition and sorrow, yet he finds solace in God's word. His initial despair turns to hope as God offers him a path of return, promising strength and redemption. This transformation from lament to trust underscores the human experience of struggling with faith, yet ultimately relying on God's providence.
The Gospel parables from Matthew further illuminate this theme. The treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great value symbolize the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing that true spiritual wealth requires sacrifice and dedication. These parables teach us that seeking God's kingdom is not a casual endeavor but a commitment that may demand letting go of worldly attachments. Just as the man and the merchant in the parables give up everything for their treasures, we are called to prioritize our spiritual journey above all else.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when faced with difficulties. Like Jeremiah, we may encounter struggles, but through prayer and faith, we can find strength. The parables remind us to seek spiritual richness with the same dedication as the merchant seeking pearls. Let us embrace our faith journey with hope and determination, trusting that our efforts will lead us to the true treasure of God's kingdom.