Daily Readings - Fri Aug 11 2017
First Reading - Deuteronomy 4.32-40
Deuteronomy
32For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?33Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?34Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?35Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.36Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.37And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;38To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.39Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.40Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.
Gospel - Matthew 16.24-28
Matthew
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound invitations to faith and discipleship. The first reading from Deuteronomy reminds us of God's unique relationship with His people, highlighting the extraordinary events of their history, such as hearing God's voice from the fire and witnessing His mighty deeds in Egypt. Moses exhorts the Israelites to remember these marvels and to remain faithful to the one true God, who has shown them His power and love. The reading calls us to gratitude and fidelity, urging us to recognize God's presence in our lives and to follow His commandments.
The Gospel takes us to a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, as He reveals the cost of discipleship to His followers. Jesus makes it clear that following Him requires self-denial and taking up the cross. He warns that seeking to save one's life on one's own terms leads to loss, while losing one's life for His sake leads to true life. This teaching challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and to embrace a life of sacrifice and trust in God's plan. Jesus' words are not about misery but about freedom—the freedom to live for something greater than ourselves.
Both readings remind us that faith is not passive but active. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are called to remember and obey; in Matthew, the disciples are called to deny themselves and follow. For us today, this means living with a deep awareness of God's presence and providence, even in difficult times. It means trusting that God's way is better than our own and being willing to let go of our attachments to worldly success. As we navigate our own challenges, may we find the courage to take up our crosses and follow Jesus, knowing that true life is found in Him.