Daily Readings - Sun Aug 02 2020
Isaiah
1"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.2Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare.3Give ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
Romans
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Matthew
13When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns.14When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.15As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food."16Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat."17"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered.18"Bring them here to me," he said.19And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.20They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.21The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter a profound narrative of God's boundless love and provision. The First Reading from Isaiah invites us to seek spiritual nourishment, urging us to turn to God who offers abundance without cost. The Second Reading from Romans reassures us that no trial can separate us from God's love, highlighting an unbreakable bond. The Gospel presents Jesus feeding the 5000, a miracle that exemplifies divine provision and generosity.
Each reading, though from different contexts, weaves a tapestry of God's care. Isaiah, speaking to exiles, offers hope in spiritual renewal. Paul, in his letter, strengthens the faithful amidst persecution. Matthew's account of the feeding miracle shows Jesus addressing physical needs, demonstrating that God's love encompasses both body and soul. Together, they remind us of God's faithfulness in all aspects of life.
In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's providence, especially in times of scarcity or uncertainty. Just as the disciples shared the little they had, we are called to generosity, trusting that our resources, however meager, can be multiplied. Let us remember that God's love endures through all trials, nurturing both our spirits and our lives. May we embrace this love and share it abundantly with others.