Daily Readings - Mon Jul 14 2025
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, struggle, and divine providence. The first reading from Exodus describes the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, where a new Pharaoh, fearful of their growing numbers, imposes harsh labor and decrees the death of all male infants. This sets the stage for the eventual liberation of God's people, highlighting the tension between human oppression and God's plan for salvation. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus' challenging words about the cost of discipleship. He speaks of division within families and the necessity of carrying one's cross, emphasizing that true fidelity to Him requires sacrifice and prioritizing His will above all else. Jesus also assures His disciples that those who receive them in His name will be rewarded, even in the simplest acts of kindness.
The context of these readings reveals the broader themes of struggle and trust in God's plan. In Exodus, the Israelites' suffering is not without purpose; it is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant faithfulness. Similarly, in Matthew, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face as they spread His message. Both readings remind us that following God does not guarantee comfort or ease but demands courage, perseverance, and trust in His ultimate plan.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on how we respond to struggles and challenges. Like the Israelites in Egypt, we may face situations that feel oppressive or unjust, but we are called to trust that God is always at work, even when His ways are not immediately clear. Like the disciples, we are called to fidelity and sacrifice, prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else. In a world that often values comfort and security, these readings challenge us to embrace the cross and to live with a deeper sense of purpose and commitment to our faith. Let us strive to trust in God's plan, even in the midst of difficulty, and to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.