Daily Readings - Mon Aug 21 2023
Judges
11And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim:12And they forsook the LORD God of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the people that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, and provoked the LORD to anger.13And they forsook the LORD, and served Baal and Ashtaroth.14And the anger of the LORD was hot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of spoilers that spoiled them, and he sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.15Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil, as the LORD had said, and as the LORD had sworn unto them: and they were greatly distressed.16Nevertheless the LORD raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hand of those that spoiled them.17And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so.18And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them.19And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
Matthew
16And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?17And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.18He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,19Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.20The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?21Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the human condition and our relationship with God. In the first reading from Judges, we see the recurring pattern of the Israelites turning away from God to follow false idols and foreign gods. This infidelity leads to their downfall, as God allows them to be oppressed by their enemies. Yet, in his mercy, God raises up judges to rescue them, only for the cycle to repeat itself after each judge’s death. This passage reminds us of the consequences of spiritual infidelity and the importance of remaining faithful to God’s covenant.
In the Gospel, we encounter a young man who approaches Jesus, seeking eternal life. Jesus lists the commandments, emphasizing the importance of living a morally upright life. The young man claims to have kept all these commandments since childhood, but Jesus challenges him further: to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow him. The young man, attached to his wealth, walks away sorrowfully. This encounter highlights the difficulty of letting go of worldly attachments and the radical commitment required to follow Christ.
Both readings call us to examine our own lives. Like the Israelites, we may often turn to false idols—whether material possessions, comfort, or other distractions—that pull us away from God. Like the rich young man, we may think we are living virtuous lives, but we are called to go further, to let go of whatever hinders our relationship with God. True freedom and happiness come not from wealth or possessions but from wholehearted devotion to God. Let us ask ourselves: What are the “possessions” in our lives that keep us from following Christ more closely? May we trust in God’s promise of eternal life and have the courage to let go, that we might find true treasure in heaven.