Daily Readings - Thu Aug 04 2022
Jeremiah
31Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:32Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:33But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.34And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Matthew
13When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?14And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.15He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?16And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.17And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.19And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.20Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.21From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.22Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.23But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound insights into God’s relationship with humanity and the establishment of His Church. The first reading from Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a new covenant, where God’s law will be written on the hearts of His people, fostering a deep, personal relationship with Him. This prophecy points to a future where knowing God is intrinsic, a far cry from the external observances of the past. The context is one of hope and renewal, assuring the people of Israel that despite their failures, God remains faithful and will establish a covenant that transforms hearts.
In the Gospel, Matthew 16:13-23, Jesus shifts the focus from public opinion to personal confession. Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, is pivotal. Jesus establishes Peter as the rock of His Church, granting him authority and emphasizing the Church’s role in God’s plan. However, this is followed by Jesus’ prediction of His suffering and Peter’s resistance, highlighting the tension between human understanding and divine will. This narrative underscores the Church’s foundation on faith and the necessity of embracing God’s plan, even when it challenges our own desires.
These readings connect through the theme of covenant and faith. Jeremiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Christ, who through His Church, invites all to a personal relationship with God. Peter’s confession and subsequent struggle remind us that living out our faith requires trusting in God’s will, even when it’s difficult. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this new covenant, living with hearts open to God’s presence and trusting in His plan, even when it leads us through trials. Let us reflect on our own faith journey, seeking to deepen our personal relationship with God and trust in His divine plan.