Daily Readings - Fri Jul 26 2019

Matthew

16But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.17For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

Sermon

In today's readings, we reflect on the themes of legacy, gratitude, and the responsibility that comes with spiritual blessings. The first reading from Sirach invites us to honor our ancestors and the enduring impact of their virtuous lives, emphasizing the mercy and wisdom they have passed down. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our gaze to the present, where Jesus highlights the unique blessing of witnessing and understanding God's revelation, a privilege that even the prophets of old did not know. The Book of Sirach, part of the wisdom literature, encourages us to remember the righteous deeds of our forebears and the legacy they leave. It reminds us that the good we do resonates through generations, shaping the lives of those who come after us. In Matthew, Jesus underscores the blessedness of His disciples, who have the privilege of seeing and hearing the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. This is not just a gift but also a call to respond with faith and humility. As we apply these readings to our lives, we are reminded to be grateful for the faith and wisdom handed down to us. Let us strive to live in a way that honors our spiritual heritage, using the blessings we have received to serve others and to bear fruit in our own time. May we, like the ancestors praised in Sirach, leave behind a legacy of love, mercy, and fidelity to God's covenant. In doing so, we fulfill our responsibility to pass on the faith and to be a source of inspiration for future generations.