Daily Readings - Wed Aug 16 2017
Deuteronomy
1Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed him the whole land-from Gilead to Dan,2all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea,3the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar.4Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it."5And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said.6He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.7Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.8The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.9Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.10Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,11who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt-to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land.12For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.
Matthew
15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we reflect on the themes of leadership, transition, and community, woven together by the thread of faith and obedience. The first reading from Deuteronomy brings us to the end of Moses’ journey, as he stands on Mount Nebo, gazing upon the Promised Land he would not enter. This moment is both a celebration of Moses’ faithfulness and a poignant reminder of the human condition—our limitations and the trust we must place in God’s plan. Moses, the great leader, dies in obedience to God’s will, and the mantle of leadership passes to Joshua, who is filled with the spirit of wisdom. This transition reminds us that while individuals may fade, God’s work continues through others.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the dynamics of community life. Jesus teaches us how to handle conflicts with love and justice, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation and the role of the community in maintaining harmony. The process of correcting a brother privately, then with witnesses, and finally involving the Church, reflects a deep respect for the dignity of each person and the need for accountability. Jesus also reminds us of the power of prayer and agreement in community, assuring us that when two or three gather in His name, He is present among them. This teaching invites us to see our relationships and conflicts as opportunities to grow in holiness and to seek God’s will together.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are called to embrace both the humility of leadership and the responsibility of community. Like Moses, we must trust in God’s plan, even when we do not see the full picture. Like Joshua, we must step forward with courage, relying on the wisdom and grace God provides. And like the disciples, we must approach conflicts with love and seek reconciliation, remembering that our unity is a testament to God’s presence among us. Let us strive to live as people of faith, trusting in God’s plan, seeking harmony in our relationships, and gathering in prayer, knowing that Christ is always with us.