Daily Readings - Mon Jul 15 2019
Exodus
8Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.9And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:10Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.12But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.13And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:14And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.22And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.
Matthew
34Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.35For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.36And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.41He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
1And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on faith, perseverance, and compassion. The first reading from Exodus recounts the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, where they faced relentless labor and the cruel decree to kill every male infant. This sets the stage for the eventual redemption through Moses, highlighting God's faithfulness amidst suffering. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus speaking about the divisive nature of His mission, emphasizing that following Him may lead to family conflicts and personal sacrifices. He also underscores the importance of welcoming others in His name, even through simple acts of kindness.
These readings, though from different times, share a common theme of enduring hardship for a greater purpose. The Israelites' suffering in Egypt prefigured their liberation, while Jesus' words in Matthew call believers to stand firm in their faith despite challenges. Both stories remind us that our struggles are not without meaning and that God's plan often unfolds through adversity.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with opposition. They remind us that our actions, no matter how small, can reflect God's love and bring comfort to others. Trusting in God's providence and showing compassion, as Jesus taught, helps us navigate life's difficulties with grace and hope.