Daily Readings - Tue Jul 23 2019
Exodus
21And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.22And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.23And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.24And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,25And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.26And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.27And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.28And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.29But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.30Thus the LORD saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore.31And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.
1Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.20And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.21And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
Matthew
46While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.48But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?49And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful stories of trust, deliverance, and redefined relationships. The first reading from Exodus recounts the dramatic escape of the Israelites from the Egyptians through the parting of the Red Sea. Moses, acting in faith, stretches out his staff, and God’s mighty hand divides the waters, allowing the Israelites to pass safely. When the Egyptians pursue, the sea closes again, engulfing them. This miracle leads to a song of triumph, as Moses and Miriam praise God for his deliverance. The second reading from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who, while teaching, is approached by his family. Yet, he expands the notion of family to include all who do the will of his Father, emphasizing that spiritual bonds can transcend biological ties.
These readings invite us to reflect on trust and relationship. The Israelites, facing the pursuing army, had to trust in God’s plan, even when the path ahead seemed impossible. Their deliverance was not just physical but also a spiritual awakening, as they came to know God’s power more deeply. Similarly, Jesus challenges us to rethink our understanding of family and community. True kinship is not limited to blood relations but is formed by those who share a common purpose and commitment to God’s will.
In our daily lives, we often face moments where we must trust in God’s providence, even when the path is uncertain. Like the Israelites, we may feel pursued by challenges or doubts, but God’s deliverance is always at hand. Additionally, Jesus reminds us that our spiritual family is vast and inclusive. We are called to build communities rooted in faith, love, and shared values. Let us strive to trust in God’s plan and to embrace one another as brothers and sisters in Christ, united in our commitment to his will.