Daily Readings - Sat Jul 05 2025
Genesis
1When Isaac was old and his eyes were dim so that he could not see, he called Esau his older son and said to him, "My son"; and he answered, "Here I am."2He said, "Behold, I am old; I do not know the day of my death.3Now then, take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me,4and prepare for me delicious food, such as I love, and bring it to me so that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die."5Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to his son Esau. So when Esau went to the field to hunt for game and bring it,9Go to the flock and bring me two good young goats, so that I may prepare from them delicious food for your father, such as he loves.10And you shall bring it to your father to eat, so that he may bless you before he dies."15Then Rebekah took the best garments of Esau her older son, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son.16And the skins of the young goats she put on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck.17And she put the delicious food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob.18So he went in to his father and said, "My father." And he said, "Here I am. Who are you, my son?"19Jacob said to his father, "I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me."20But Isaac said to his son, "How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?" He answered, "Because the LORD your God granted me success."21Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, to know whether you are really my son Esau or not."22So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, who felt him and said, "The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau."23And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau's hands. So he blessed him.24He said, "Are you really my son Esau?" He answered, "I am."25Then he said, "Bring it near to me, that I may eat of my son's game and bless you." So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank.26Then his father Isaac said to him, "Come near and kiss me, my son."27So he came near and kissed him. And Isaac smelled the smell of his garments and blessed him and said, "See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed!28May God give you of the dew of heaven and of the fatness of the earth and plenty of grain and wine.29Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may your mother's sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be everyone who blesses you!"
Matthew
14Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"15And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.16No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse tear is made.17Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both are preserved."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, deception, and spiritual growth. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Jacob and Esau, where Rebekah orchestrates a deception to secure the blessing for her favored son, Jacob. This tale reveals the complexities of human desire and the consequences of manipulating divine plans. The second reading from Matthew finds Jesus addressing his disciples about fasting, using parables of new cloth and wineskins to illustrate the incompatibility of old and new practices, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal.
The Genesis story highlights the tension between human schemes and divine providence. Isaac, nearing the end of his life, seeks to bless his firstborn son, Esau, but Rebekah's interference leads Jacob to deceive his father. This act of deception, while successful in the moment, sets the stage for future conflict and division within the family. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on cunning and control rather than trusting in God's plan.
In contrast, Jesus' teachings in Matthew offer a vision of spiritual transformation. He explains that just as new wine cannot be poured into old wineskins without causing rupture, so too must our hearts and minds be open to the newness that God brings. This teaching challenges us to let go of old ways of thinking and being, embracing instead the fresh perspectives and practices that faith requires.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own approach to faith and life. Are we like Rebekah, trying to manipulate circumstances to achieve our desires, or are we open to the transformative power of God? Jesus reminds us that true spiritual growth requires humility and a willingness to embrace change. As we navigate the complexities of our own lives, may we trust in God's plan and seek to live with integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of deception and instead choosing the path of openness and trust. Let us remember that blessings come not through our own schemes, but through surrendering to God's will.