Daily Readings - Wed Aug 05 2020
Jeremiah
1At the same time, saith the LORD, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.2Thus saith the LORD, The people which were left of the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.3The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.4Again I will build thee, and thou shalt be built, O virgin of Israel: thou shalt again be adorned with thy tabrets, and shalt go forth in the dances of them that make merry.5Thou shalt yet plant vines upon the mountains of Samaria: the planters shall plant, and shall eat them as common things.6For there shall be a day, that the watchmen upon the mount Ephraim shall cry, Arise ye, and let us go up to Zion unto the LORD our God.7For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.
Matthew
21Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon.22And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.23But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.24But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.25Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me.26But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs.27And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.28Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound expressions of God's love and mercy. The prophet Jeremiah brings a message of hope to Israel during their exile, promising restoration and joy. God's eternal love is highlighted, reassuring Israel that they will be rebuilt and rejoice once more. This passage emphasizes God's faithfulness and the hope of redemption, even in the darkest times.
The Gospel presents a Canaanite woman whose persistence and faith in Jesus lead to her daughter's healing. Initially, Jesus seems reluctant, but her unwavering faith moves Him to act, demonstrating that His mission extends beyond the Jews to all people. This story underscores the power of faith and the universality of God's love.
These readings remind us to trust in God's love and mercy, especially in challenging times. They call us to embrace God's love and share it with others, just as Jesus did. Let us be inspired to live with hope and faith, knowing God's love is always available to us and to all people.