Daily Readings - Sat Jul 20 2019
Exodus
37The Israelites journeyed from Rameses to Succoth. There were about six hundred thousand men on foot, besides women and children.38Many other people went up with them, as well as large droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.39With the dough they had brought from Egypt, they baked cakes of unleavened bread. The dough was without yeast because they had been driven out of Egypt and did not have time to prepare food for themselves.40Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years.41At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD's divisions left Egypt.42Because the LORD kept vigil that night to bring them out of Egypt, on this night all the Israelites are to keep vigil to honor the LORD for the generations to come.
Matthew
14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.15Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick,16warning them not to tell who he was.17This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:18"Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.19He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets.20A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.21In his name the nations will put their hope."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful moments of liberation and fulfillment. The first reading from Exodus describes the Israelites’ departure from Egypt, a pivotal moment in their history. The text emphasizes the haste of their departure, as they left with unleavened bread, symbolizing their trust in God’s providence. This event marks the beginning of their journey toward freedom and their identity as God’s chosen people. The second reading from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus, who, despite facing opposition from the Pharisees, continues his mission of healing and teaching. The passage highlights Jesus’ gentle and non-confrontational approach, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of a servant who brings hope and judgment to the nations.
These readings are deeply connected. The Exodus narrative reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the importance of trust in times of uncertainty. Similarly, Matthew’s Gospel shows us Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises, embodying humility and compassion. Both readings invite us to reflect on how God works in our lives, often in unexpected and quiet ways. Just as the Israelites had to trust in God’s plan despite the chaos of their departure, we too are called to trust in God’s timing and wisdom, even when the path ahead seems unclear.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to embrace humility and gentleness. Like Jesus, we are called to serve others without seeking power or recognition. We are reminded that true strength lies not in force or noise, but in patience and compassion. As we navigate our own journeys, may we draw inspiration from the Israelites’ trust in God and Jesus’ example of servant leadership. Let us strive to live with faith, hope, and love, trusting that God is always at work, even in the quietest moments.