Daily Readings - Sat Jul 26 2025
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of legacy, gratitude, and the responsibility that comes with the gifts we receive. The first reading from Sirach praises the ancestors who lived virtuous lives, leaving behind a legacy of good deeds and a holy inheritance. It emphasizes the enduring impact of their righteousness, which continues through their descendants. The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the spiritual realm, where Jesus highlights the blessedness of His disciples who have the privilege of seeing and hearing what many prophets and just people longed for but did not experience.
The context of Sirach is rooted in wisdom literature, celebrating the enduring legacy of those who lived justly and passed on their faith. It underscores the importance of remembering and honoring those who have gone before us, whose good works continue to inspire and guide us. In contrast, Matthew's passage is set in the midst of Jesus' ministry, where He emphasizes the unique privilege of His disciples to receive the revelation of the Kingdom of God. This privilege carries with it the responsibility to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom.
These readings remind us to be grateful for the legacy we have inherited, both from our ancestors and from God. We are called to live in a way that honors this legacy, using the gifts we have been given to continue the work of justice, mercy, and faith. Let us strive to live virtuous lives, mindful of the impact our actions will have on future generations. May we be faithful stewards of the blessings we have received, and may our lives reflect the wisdom and love of God.