Daily Readings - Wed Jul 13 2022
Isaiah
5O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.6I will send him against an hypocritical nation, and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.7Howbeit he meaneth not so, neither doth his heart think so; but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off nations not a few.13For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man:14And my hand hath found as a nest the riches of the people: and as one gathereth eggs that are left, have I gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or peeped.15Shall the axe boast itself against him that heweth therewith? or shall the saw magnify itself against him that shaketh it? as if the rod should shake itself against them that lift it up, or as if the staff should lift up itself, as if it were no wood.16Therefore shall the Lord, the Lord of hosts, send among his fat ones leanness; and under his glory he shall kindle a burning like the burning of a fire.
Matthew
25At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.26Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.27All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the themes of humility, trust in God, and the dangers of pride. The first reading from Isaiah describes Assyria as a tool of God’s judgment, yet warns against the arrogance that leads to its downfall. Assyria, though powerful, forgets that its strength comes not from itself but from God. The prophet highlights the foolishness of attributing success to one’s own efforts rather than acknowledging the divine hand at work. This serves as a cautionary tale about the peril of pride and the importance of humility.
In the Gospel, Jesus praises the Father for revealing the mysteries of the kingdom to the “little ones” while hiding them from the wise and the proud. This passage underscores the idea that spiritual truth is not attained through human wisdom or self-reliance but through a humble and open heart. Jesus emphasizes that true understanding comes from a relationship with God, and that no one can fully know the Father except through the Son. This teaching challenges us to approach God with childlike humility, recognizing our dependence on Him.
These readings remind us that our strength and wisdom are not our own but are gifts from God. Like Assyria, we risk falling if we trust in ourselves rather than in Him. Jesus calls us to embrace humility, to recognize our limitations, and to trust in God’s plan. In our daily lives, this means letting go of pride and self-reliance, and instead seeking to grow in faith and dependence on God. May we learn to approach Him with humble hearts, knowing that true wisdom and strength come from Him alone.