Daily Readings - Mon Jul 12 2021
Exodus
8Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.9And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:10Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.12But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.13And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:14And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.22And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.
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
The first reading from Exodus describes a time of great trial for the Israelites in Egypt. A new pharaoh, fearful of their growing numbers, oppresses them with forced labor and decrees the death of every newborn male. This sets the stage for the eventual liberation of God’s people, highlighting the tension between human oppression and divine providence. The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus speaking about the challenges of discipleship. He warns that following him will bring division, even within families, and that true fidelity to him requires surrendering one’s life. Jesus emphasizes that those who welcome his disciples and prophets will be rewarded, and even the smallest acts of kindness to others are significant in his eyes.
These readings, though separated by time and context, share a common theme: the cost of faith and the trust required to follow God’s plan. In Exodus, the Israelites endure suffering because of Pharaoh’s fear and arrogance, yet this suffering sets the stage for their eventual liberation. In Matthew, Jesus calls his followers to embrace a life of sacrifice and trust, even when it leads to conflict and hardship. Both readings remind us that faith is not about comfort or ease but about trusting in God’s larger plan, even when the path is difficult.
In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that require us to trust in God’s providence, even when the outcome is uncertain. Like the Israelites, we may experience trials that test our endurance and faith. Like Jesus’ disciples, we are called to prioritize our relationship with him above all else. Let us reflect on where we might be called to surrender our own will or comfort for the sake of following Christ. Even in small acts of kindness or fidelity, we participate in God’s work and store up rewards in heaven. May we embrace the cross of discipleship with courage and trust, knowing that God’s plan is always greater than our own.