Daily Readings - Mon Aug 19 2019
Judges
11And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:12And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.13And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.14And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.15Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.16Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.17And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.18And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.19And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
Matthew
16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God. The first reading from Judges recounts the cyclical pattern of the Israelites' disobedience, their subsequent suffering, and God's merciful deliverance through judges. This passage highlights the recurring theme of sin, repentance, and redemption in the history of God's people. The Israelites' turning away from God to serve idols reflects a deeper human tendency to seek comfort and security in fleeting earthly things rather than in the eternal and unchanging God.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a young man who approaches Jesus, seeking eternal life. Jesus responds by listing the commandments, emphasizing the importance of moral living. When the young man claims to have kept all these commandments, Jesus challenges him to go further: to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. This exchange underscores the idea that while outward obedience to the law is necessary, true discipleship requires a radical commitment to God above all else. The young man's sadness reveals the difficulty of letting go of worldly attachments, even for one who has lived a virtuous life.
These readings together invite us to examine our own lives. Like the Israelites, we may find ourselves in cycles of sin and repentance, yet God remains faithful and merciful. Like the rich young man, we may outwardly follow the rules but struggle with deeper surrender. The moral lesson here is clear: following God demands more than superficial obedience; it requires a willingness to let go of everything that hinders our relationship with him. True freedom and fulfillment come not from clinging to earthly possessions or comforts but from trusting in God's providence and living with hearts fully surrendered to his will. Let us prayerfully consider where we may be holding back and ask for the grace to follow Jesus more wholeheartedly.