Daily Readings - Wed Jul 31 2019
Exodus
29When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.30When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.31But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them.32Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai.33When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face.34But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,35they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.
Matthew
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound images of encountering the divine. In Exodus, Moses descends from Mount Sinai, his face radiant from his intimate conversation with God. This radiance is so awe-inspiring that the people are afraid to approach him, forcing Moses to veil his face. Yet, when he speaks to God, he removes the veil, symbolizing the direct and unobstructed relationship he has with the Lord. In the Gospel, Jesus tells two parables about the Kingdom of Heaven: the treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great value. Both stories emphasize the joy and sacrifice required to possess something of ultimate worth.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own relationship with God and the Kingdom of Heaven. Moses’ radiance reminds us that encountering God transforms us, often in ways that others can see. The veil Moses wears suggests that while we may hide our true selves from the world, we must be unmasked before God. The parables in Matthew challenge us to consider what we are willing to give up in order to possess the greatest treasure—God’s love and grace. Just as the man in the parable sells everything to buy the field, we are called to prioritize our spiritual lives above all else.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to seek God with the same joy and determination as the characters in the parables. Let us ask ourselves: Am I willing to let go of distractions and sins that prevent me from fully embracing God’s presence? Like Moses, may our encounters with God leave us transformed and radiant. And like the man who found the treasure, may we cherish the Kingdom of Heaven above all else, willing to sacrifice whatever is necessary to live in accordance with God’s will.