Daily Readings - Tue Aug 07 2018
Jeremiah
1The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,2Thus speaketh the LORD God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.12For thus saith the LORD, Thy bruise is incurable, and thy wound is grievous.13There is none to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up: thou hast no healing medicines.14All thy lovers have forgotten thee; they seek thee not; for I have wounded thee with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of thine iniquity; because thy sins were increased.15Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.18Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will bring again the captivity of Jacob's tents, and have mercy on his dwellingplaces; and the city shall be builded upon her own heap, and the palace shall remain after the manner thereof.19And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of them that make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.20Their children also shall be as aforetime, and their congregation shall be established before me, and I will punish all that oppress them.21And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the LORD.22And ye shall be my people, and I will be your God.
Matthew
22And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.26And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.30But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.31And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?32And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased.33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.34And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.35And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent out into all that country round about, and brought unto him all that were diseased;36And besought him that they might only touch the hem of his garment: and as many as touched were made perfectly whole.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful messages of hope and faith. The prophet Jeremiah speaks to a nation in exile, burdened by sin and suffering. Despite their incurable wounds and hardened hearts, God promises restoration—rebuilding the city and the temple, bringing joy and prosperity. This prophecy is a testament to God's enduring faithfulness, offering hope even in the darkest times.
The Gospel presents Jesus walking on water, a dramatic display of His divine power. The disciples, tossed by a storm, are met with fear and doubt, yet Jesus reassures them, "Have faith. It is I. Do not be afraid." Peter's attempt to walk on water, though faltering, shows the human struggle with faith. Jesus' immediate rescue underscores His constant presence and salvation, even when our faith wavers.
These readings remind us that, like the disciples, we face life's storms. Our faith may falter, but Jesus is always near, ready to save. Just as God restored Israel, He restores us, offering hope and salvation. Let us trust in His providence, knowing He is ever with us, even in our doubts and struggles.