Daily Readings - Mon Aug 16 2021
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 powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God and the world around us. The first reading from Judges describes the Israelites' recurring cycle of sin, judgment, and deliverance. Despite God's mercy and the leadership of judges, they repeatedly turn away from Him, embracing idols and suffering the consequences. This narrative highlights the human tendency to forget God's faithfulness and succumb to worldly allurements.
The Gospel from Matthew presents a young man who approaches Jesus, eager to know what he must do to attain eternal life. Jesus outlines the commandments, and the young man claims to have kept them since childhood. Yet, when Jesus asks him to sell his possessions and follow Him, he hesitates, burdened by his wealth. This encounter underscores the challenge of detachment from material possessions and the deeper call to follow Christ wholeheartedly.
Both readings relate through the theme of attachment to worldly things. The Israelites in Judges are lured by foreign gods, while the young man in Matthew is held back by his wealth. These stories remind us that our fidelity to God is tested by our willingness to let go of what distracts us from Him. In our daily lives, we may find ourselves attached to various desires or possessions that hinder our full surrender to God's will.
As we reflect on these readings, let us consider what holds us back from following Christ more closely. True discipleship requires more than outward obedience; it demands a willingness to release whatever stands in the way of our relationship with God. The moral lesson here is clear: detachment and surrender are essential for a life of deeper faith and commitment. May we, like the judges of old, turn to God with humble hearts, ready to let go and follow Him faithfully.