Daily Readings - Mon Oct 02 2017
Exodus
20"See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.21Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him.22If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you.23My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out.
Matthew
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"2He called a little child and had him stand among them.3And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.4Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.10"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound teachings from Exodus and Matthew that guide us toward a life of trust, humility, and divine connection. The Exodus passage describes God's promise to send an angel to guide the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of obedience and trust in God's providence. This angelic presence is not just a guide but also a protector, underscoring the necessity of heeding divine guidance. In Matthew, Jesus teaches about the humility required to enter the kingdom of heaven, likening it to the innocence of a child. He also mentions that each child has an angel in heaven who continually beholds God's face, highlighting the sacred value of each individual, especially the vulnerable.
These readings, though from different contexts, share a common thread—the role of angels and the virtue of humility. In Exodus, the angel represents God's active presence and guidance, while in Matthew, angels symbolize the divine care for each person, particularly children. Together, they remind us that our journey is not solitary; we are accompanied by divine messengers. The connection between the two readings lies in their emphasis on trust and humility. Just as the Israelites were to trust the angel's guidance, we are called to embrace humility, recognizing our dependence on God.
In our daily lives, these teachings invite us to cultivate trust and humility. Trusting in God's guidance means surrendering our will to His, even when the path is uncertain. Humility involves recognizing our limitations and valuing each person's worth, especially the weak. Let us reflect on how we can embody this humility and trust, allowing God's presence to guide us. May we find strength in His promises and inspiration in the innocence of children, trusting that our angels are ever-vigilant, interceding on our behalf. Let us strive to live with hearts open to divine guidance, embracing humility as a cornerstone of our faith.