Daily Readings - Mon Jul 14 2025
Exodus
8Now there arose up a new king over Egypt, which knew not Joseph.9And he said unto his people, Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we:10Come on, let us deal wisely with them; lest they multiply, and it come to pass, that, when there falleth out any war, they join also unto our enemies, and fight against us, and so get them up out of the land.11Therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cities, Pithom and Raamses.12But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the children of Israel.13And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour:14And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in morter, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.22And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.
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 profound narratives that invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, struggle, and divine providence. The first reading from Exodus describes the oppression of the Israelites in Egypt, where a new Pharaoh, fearful of their growing numbers, imposes harsh labor and decrees the death of all male infants. This sets the stage for the eventual liberation of God's people, highlighting the tension between human oppression and God's plan for salvation. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus' challenging words about the cost of discipleship. He speaks of division within families and the necessity of carrying one's cross, emphasizing that true fidelity to Him requires sacrifice and prioritizing His will above all else. Jesus also assures His disciples that those who receive them in His name will be rewarded, even in the simplest acts of kindness.
The context of these readings reveals the broader themes of struggle and trust in God's plan. In Exodus, the Israelites' suffering is not without purpose; it is part of the larger narrative of God's covenant faithfulness. Similarly, in Matthew, Jesus prepares His disciples for the challenges they will face as they spread His message. Both readings remind us that following God does not guarantee comfort or ease but demands courage, perseverance, and trust in His ultimate plan.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on how we respond to struggles and challenges. Like the Israelites in Egypt, we may face situations that feel oppressive or unjust, but we are called to trust that God is always at work, even when His ways are not immediately clear. Like the disciples, we are called to fidelity and sacrifice, prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else. In a world that often values comfort and security, these readings challenge us to embrace the cross and to live with a deeper sense of purpose and commitment to our faith. Let us strive to trust in God's plan, even in the midst of difficulty, and to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God.