Daily Readings - Tue Jul 24 2018
Micah
14Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your inheritance, which lives by itself in a forest, in fertile pasturelands. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead as in days long ago.15"As in the days when you came out of Egypt, I will show them my wonders."18Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.19You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.20You will be true to Jacob, and show mercy to Abraham, as you pledged on oath to our fathers in days long ago.
Matthew
46While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him.48He replied to him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?"49Pointing to his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers.50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound reflections on God’s mercy and the expansion of our understanding of family and community. The first reading from Micah paints a vivid picture of God as a shepherd who guides His people with care and compassion. The prophet speaks of a time when God will gather His flock, even in the midst of narrow or challenging circumstances, and lead them to places of abundance, reminiscent of the Exodus from Egypt. Micah emphasizes God’s willingness to forgive and cast sins into the depths of the sea, promising faithfulness to His people. This passage invites us to trust in God’s enduring mercy and faithfulness, even when we stumble.
The Gospel reading from Matthew challenges us to rethink our understanding of family. When Jesus is told that his mother and brothers are waiting to speak with him, he responds by expanding the concept of family beyond blood ties. He points to his disciples and declares that those who do the will of His Father in heaven are his true brothers, sisters, and mother. This teaching is radical because it calls us to see our spiritual family as those who share a common commitment to God’s will, transcending biological bonds. It reminds us that our faith is not confined to our immediate circles but extends to all who seek to live according to God’s plan.
These readings are deeply connected. Micah’s emphasis on God’s mercy and faithfulness encourages us to trust in His plan, while Jesus’ teaching on spiritual family invites us to live out that plan in community. Together, they call us to embrace a life of mercy, forgiveness, and unity. As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: How can we extend God’s mercy to others? How can we build a spiritual family that reflects His will? May we strive to live as children of God, united in love and fidelity to His plan, and may we always remember that our true family is found in those who share a commitment to His kingdom.