Daily Readings - Mon Jul 17 2023
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that challenge us to reflect on faith, sacrifice, and the cost of following God’s will. The first reading from Exodus describes the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, where a new pharaoh, fearful of their growing numbers, enslaves them and orders the death of all male infants. This sets the stage for the eventual liberation under Moses, highlighting the theme of God’s people enduring suffering while awaiting divine deliverance. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus speaking about the divisiveness of his mission: “I came not to bring peace, but a sword.” He emphasizes that following him requires taking up one’s cross and prioritizing faith above even family ties. Jesus also teaches about the importance of hospitality and the reward for those who receive his disciples with kindness.
These readings, though separated by centuries, are deeply connected in their exploration of conflict and commitment. In Exodus, the Israelites face external oppression, while in Matthew, the conflict is internal—within families and hearts. Both texts remind us that living according to God’s plan often involves hardship and difficult choices. The Israelites’ suffering in Egypt foreshadows the suffering that Jesus’ followers may endure, yet both stories hold out hope for ultimate deliverance and reward.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on our own willingness to embrace the challenges of faith. Are we prepared to face opposition or sacrifice for what we believe? Jesus’ words about taking up our cross remind us that discipleship is not about comfort or convenience but about fidelity to God’s will. At the same time, the Gospel’s emphasis on hospitality and care for others encourages us to see Christ in those around us, especially the vulnerable. In a world often marked by division and selfishness, these readings call us to live with courage, compassion, and trust in God’s providence. Let us strive to follow Christ, even when the path is difficult, and to welcome others with the same love and generosity that God has shown us.