Daily Readings - Mon Jul 15 2024
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.11To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats.12When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts?13Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting.14Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.15And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.16Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;17Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
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 messages that challenge us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the way we live it out. The first reading from Isaiah confronts us with a stark reality: outward acts of worship and sacrifice mean little if they are not accompanied by justice, compassion, and a genuine change of heart. Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, rebuking the people for their empty rituals and calling them to “learn to do good” by seeking justice and defending the vulnerable. This is not merely a critique of ancient Israel but a timeless reminder that faith must be lived out in tangible ways.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a similar challenge, though in a different tone. Jesus speaks of division and the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that following Him requires more than superficial commitment. He calls us to take up our cross, to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, and to recognize that true life is found in self-sacrifice. The second part of the reading reminds us that even small acts of kindness, such as giving a cup of cold water to someone in need, are meaningful in God’s eyes. Jesus’ words remind us that discipleship is not about comfort or ease but about living in a way that reflects His love and values.
These readings are deeply connected. Both Isaiah and Jesus emphasize that faith is not just about rituals or words but about actions that reflect a transformed heart. Isaiah calls us to move beyond empty sacrifices to lives of justice and compassion, while Jesus calls us to embrace the challenges of discipleship and to live in a way that prioritizes love and service. Together, they remind us that true worship is not confined to temples or churches but is lived out in our daily choices and interactions.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are our actions aligned with our faith? Do we prioritize justice, compassion, and love in our lives? Let us strive to move beyond superficial religiosity and instead embrace the radical call to live as disciples of Christ. May we seek to do good, stand with the oppressed, and reflect God’s love in all that we do. In doing so, we will find true life and fulfill the call to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.