Daily Readings - Mon Jul 13 2020
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.11To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.12When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?13Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.14Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
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 a powerful message about the essence of true faith and discipleship. The first reading from Isaiah delivers a stark rebuke to those who prioritize rituals over righteousness. God rejects their sacrifices and gatherings because their actions do not align with justice and compassion. The prophet calls for a transformation from empty worship to a life of doing good, seeking justice, and defending the vulnerable. This passage reminds us that faith without action is hollow.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus' challenging words about the nature of His mission. He comes not to bring peace but division, highlighting the radical commitment required to follow Him. Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship involves prioritizing God above all else, even family ties. The second part of the reading underscores the importance of receiving and supporting those who serve God, whether they are prophets, the just, or even the least among us. Giving a simple cup of water to someone in need is an act of faith that reflects our commitment to Jesus.
These readings together call us to reflect on our own lives. Are we content with superficial religious practices, or do we allow our faith to transform us into agents of justice and compassion? Jesus' words challenge us to examine our priorities and actions. Let us strive to live out our faith authentically, standing up for the oppressed and serving others with humility. In doing so, we embody the true meaning of discipleship, ensuring that our worship is not in vain but a reflection of God's love and justice in the world.