Daily Readings - Thu Jul 27 2023
Exodus
1In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.2For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.9And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.10And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,11And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.16And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.17And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.18And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.19And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.20And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.
Matthew
10And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables?11He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.12For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.13Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.14And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:15For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.16But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.17For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of divine revelation, each inviting us to reflect on how we receive God's word. The first reading from Exodus 19 describes the dramatic scene at Mount Sinai, where God's presence is manifested through thunder, lightning, and smoke. The Israelites, in awe, prepare to receive the law, a pivotal moment in their covenant with God. This theophany underscores the importance of preparation and openness to God's revelation.
In the Gospel, Matthew 13 presents Jesus explaining the purpose of parables. He reveals that these stories are a form of divine truth, accessible to those with faith but hidden from those with hardened hearts. Jesus blesses the disciples for their ability to see and hear, contrasting them with past prophets who longed for such revelation. This highlights the spiritual state of the audience and their readiness to understand divine teachings.
Both readings connect through the theme of divine revelation and human response. Exodus shows a community prepared to receive God's law, while Matthew illustrates the individual's role in receiving Jesus' teachings. These passages remind us to approach God's word with openness and faith, avoiding the hardness of heart that can hinder understanding. As we navigate our daily lives, let us seek to be like the disciples—receptive and eager to embrace God's truth, allowing it to transform our hearts and guide our actions. May we remain open to God's revelation, ever ready to receive His word with faith and humility.