Daily Readings - Mon Aug 12 2019
Deuteronomy
12And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,13and to observe the LORD's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?14To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.15Yet the LORD set his affection on your forefathers and loved them, and he chose you, their descendants, above all the nations, as it is today.16Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.17For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.18He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing.19And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt.20Fear the LORD your God and serve him. Hold fast to him and take your oaths in his name.21He is your praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.22Your forefathers who went down into Egypt were seventy in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars in the sky.
Matthew
22When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.23They will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised to life." And the disciples were filled with grief.24After Jesus and his disciples arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came to Peter and asked, "Doesn't your teacher pay the temple tax?"25"Yes, he does," he replied. When Peter came into the house, Jesus was the first to speak. "What do you think, Simon?" he asked. "From whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes--from their own sons or from others?"26"From others," Peter answered.27"Then the sons are exempt," Jesus said to him. "But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons about obedience, trust, and love. The first reading from Deuteronomy reminds us of God's expectations: to fear Him, walk in His ways, love Him, and serve Him wholeheartedly. It also emphasizes care for the marginalized, reflecting God's love for all. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus predicting His death and resurrection, followed by the miracle of the temple tax, showcasing Jesus' submission to the law and His divine authority.
Both readings highlight obedience to God's will. In Deuteronomy, the Israelites are called to covenant obedience, while in Matthew, Jesus embodies ultimate obedience through His mission. This dual emphasis teaches us to trust God's plan, even in difficult times, and to live lives of love and service. The miracle of the shekel illustrates that when we align with God's will, He provides what we need, reinforcing trust and obedience.
These teachings apply to our daily lives by encouraging us to embrace God's plan with faith, even when uncertain. We are called to love and serve others, especially the marginalized, mirroring God's compassion. The moral lesson is clear: surrender to God's will and live with love and trust, knowing His providence guides us. Let us strive to follow this path, trusting in His goodness and living out our faith in service to others.