Daily Readings - Wed Oct 02 2024
Exodus
20Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.21Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.22But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.23For mine Angel shall go before thee, and bring thee in unto the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites: and I will cut them off.
Matthew
1At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?2And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,3And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.4Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.10Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the presence of God in our lives and the call to humility. In the first reading from Exodus, God promises to send an Angel to guide and protect the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. This Angel is not just a helper but a divine presence who carries God’s authority and name. The reading reminds us that God’s guidance is always available, but it requires our trust and obedience. Disregarding this presence can lead to separation from God’s will, while listening and following it brings us into harmony with God’s plan.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches the disciples about the importance of humility and childlike simplicity. He uses a child as an example of the kind of trust and openness we should have toward God. To “become like little children” means letting go of pride and self-reliance, embracing instead a posture of dependence on God. Jesus also emphasizes the dignity of every person, especially the vulnerable, by noting that even the smallest ones have Angels in heaven who watch over them. This reminds us that every life is precious and deserves respect and care.
These readings connect in their emphasis on trust and humility. Just as the Israelites were called to trust in God’s Angel, we too are called to trust in God’s presence in our lives. Like the child in the Gospel, we must approach God with simplicity and openness, recognizing our need for guidance and protection. In our daily lives, this means being attentive to the ways God speaks to us, whether through others, circumstances, or the quiet voice of our conscience. It also means treating everyone with kindness and respect, remembering that each person has inherent dignity and is loved by God. Let us strive to live with humility and trust, knowing that we are never alone on our journey, for God’s presence is always with us.