Daily Readings - Mon Aug 14 2023
Deuteronomy
12And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,13To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?14Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.15Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.16Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no more stiffnecked.17For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:18He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.19Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.20Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name.21He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen.22Thy fathers went down into Egypt with threescore and ten persons; and now the LORD thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.
Matthew
22And while they abode in Galilee, Jesus said unto them, The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men:23And they shall kill him, and the third day he shall be raised again. And they were exceeding sorry.24And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?25He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?26Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.27Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful messages about faith, obedience, and trust in God’s plan. The first reading from Deuteronomy reminds us of the core of our relationship with God: to fear Him, love Him, and serve Him wholeheartedly. Moses calls the Israelites to live according to God’s commandments, emphasizing that their identity and blessings come from being chosen by God. This passage is set in the context of Moses’ farewell address, urging the people to remain faithful as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. It highlights God’s justice, love for the vulnerable, and the call to care for the stranger, reflecting the heart of the covenant.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents a poignant scene where Jesus predicts His own death and resurrection, a moment that fills the disciples with sorrow. Yet, in the midst of this heaviness, Jesus demonstrates His divine authority and humility. When asked about the temple tax, Jesus uses a miraculous sign—a shekel found in a fish’s mouth—to pay the tax. This act shows His willingness to submit to earthly authorities while also revealing His divine power. The connection between the readings lies in their emphasis on trust and obedience. Deuteronomy calls us to trust God’s ways, while Matthew shows Jesus trusting in the Father’s plan, even in the face of suffering.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we live out our faith in daily life. Like the Israelites, we are called to love and serve God with our whole hearts, remembering that our blessings come from Him. Like Jesus, we are asked to trust in God’s plan, even when it leads us through difficult or uncertain times. Let us embrace the call to live with faith, generosity, and obedience, trusting that God’s plan is always greater than our own. May we, like Jesus, submit to His will and find joy in serving Him and others.