Daily Readings - Fri Aug 08 2025
Deuteronomy
32For ask now of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven unto the other, whether there hath been any such thing as this great thing is, or hath been heard like it?33Did ever people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as thou hast heard, and live?34Or hath God assayed to go and take him a nation from the midst of another nation, by temptations, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by a stretched out arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the LORD your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?35Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.36Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.37And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;38To drive out nations from before thee greater and mightier than thou art, to bring thee in, to give thee their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.39Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: there is none else.40Thou shalt keep therefore his statutes, and his commandments, which I command thee this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee, and that thou mayest prolong thy days upon the earth, which the LORD thy God giveth thee, for ever.
Matthew
24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?27For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.28Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of God’s relationship with humanity and the call to live a life of faith and discipleship. In the first reading from Deuteronomy, Moses reminds the Israelites of the unique and extraordinary ways God has acted in their history. He calls them to remember the wonders and signs God performed to set them free from slavery in Egypt and to establish them as His chosen people. Moses emphasizes that there is no other God besides the Lord, who has revealed Himself in such a dramatic and personal way. This passage is a call to fidelity and gratitude, urging the people to keep God’s commandments and trust in His providence.
In the Gospel, Jesus shifts the focus from the mighty acts of God in the past to the radical demands of following Him in the present. He tells His disciples that true discipleship requires self-denial, taking up one’s cross, and following Him. This is not a call to occasional sacrifice but to a complete reorientation of life. Jesus warns that chasing worldly success or comfort at the expense of one’s soul is a hollow victory. He reminds us that our ultimate judgment will be based on how we have lived in accordance with His will. The passage ends with a glimpse of hope: some of those standing with Him will see the glory of the kingdom before they die, a promise that encourages perseverance and faith.
Together, these readings remind us that our lives are not our own but are part of a larger story of God’s love and redemption. Like the Israelites, we are called to remember the ways God has worked in our lives and to respond with faith and obedience. Like the disciples, we are invited to embrace a life of self-giving love, trusting that true fulfillment comes not from what we possess or achieve but from following Jesus. Let us ask ourselves today: Am I living as though God is the center of my life? Am I willing to let go of my own desires and ambitions to follow Him? May we find the courage to take up our cross and follow Christ, knowing that in doing so, we will discover true life and eternal joy.