Daily Readings - Sun Aug 16 2020
Isaiah
1Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.6Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;7Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Romans
13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.30For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:31Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on God's universal mercy and inclusion. In Isaiah, we hear a call to justice and salvation, emphasizing that God's house is a place of prayer for all people, highlighting inclusivity. Romans expands on this theme, explaining that God's mercy extends beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles, illustrating that His gifts are irrevocable and available to all. The Gospel from Matthew vividly illustrates this inclusion through the story of the Canaanite woman, whose persistence and faith lead Jesus to heal her daughter, demonstrating that His mission is not limited to the Israelites but embraces all who have faith.
These readings collectively underscore God's desire to reach all people, regardless of their background. They remind us that faith and persistence can lead to healing and that God's love is not confined by boundaries. The Canaanite woman's humility and determination serve as a model for our own approach to prayer, encouraging us to seek God with openness and trust.
In our daily lives, these readings inspire us to embrace diversity and recognize God's presence in everyone. They call us to live with humility, perseverance, and faith, trusting in God's universal love and mercy. Let us strive to be open to others, just as God is open to all, and remember that His love knows no bounds.