Daily Readings - Mon Jul 13 2020
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!11"The multitude of your sacrifices- what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.12When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?13Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations- I cannot bear your evil assemblies.14Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.15When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood;16wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong,17learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Matthew
34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.35For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.41Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter a powerful message about the essence of true faith and discipleship. The first reading from Isaiah delivers a stark rebuke to those who prioritize rituals over righteousness. God rejects their sacrifices and gatherings because their actions do not align with justice and compassion. The prophet calls for a transformation from empty worship to a life of doing good, seeking justice, and defending the vulnerable. This passage reminds us that faith without action is hollow.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus' challenging words about the nature of His mission. He comes not to bring peace but division, highlighting the radical commitment required to follow Him. Jesus emphasizes that true discipleship involves prioritizing God above all else, even family ties. The second part of the reading underscores the importance of receiving and supporting those who serve God, whether they are prophets, the just, or even the least among us. Giving a simple cup of water to someone in need is an act of faith that reflects our commitment to Jesus.
These readings together call us to reflect on our own lives. Are we content with superficial religious practices, or do we allow our faith to transform us into agents of justice and compassion? Jesus' words challenge us to examine our priorities and actions. Let us strive to live out our faith authentically, standing up for the oppressed and serving others with humility. In doing so, we embody the true meaning of discipleship, ensuring that our worship is not in vain but a reflection of God's love and justice in the world.