Daily Readings - Tue Oct 02 2018
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
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of divine guidance and humility. In Exodus, God promises to send an angel to guide the Israelites, emphasizing the importance of heeding this divine messenger. This passage underscores God's providential care and the necessity of trust and obedience. In Matthew, Jesus teaches that humility, exemplified by the innocence of a child, is essential for entering the kingdom of heaven. He also highlights the special protection and dignity of the vulnerable, noting that their angels are always in God's presence.
These readings are connected by the theme of trust in God's plan. The angel in Exodus represents God's active presence guiding His people, while the child in Matthew symbolizes the humility required to follow God's will. Together, they remind us that our journey with God requires both trust in His guidance and a humble heart open to His teachings.
In our daily lives, we can apply these lessons by seeking to trust in God's providence, even when the path is unclear. Embracing humility allows us to approach life with the openness and simplicity of a child, recognizing the inherent dignity in all people. Let us strive to live with faith and humility, trusting in God's plan and valuing the vulnerable, as we journey toward the kingdom of heaven.