Daily Readings - Fri Aug 07 2020
Nahum
15Look, there on the mountains, the feet of one who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Celebrate your festivals, O Judah, and fulfill your vows. No more will the wicked invade you; they will be completely destroyed.
2The LORD will restore the splendor of Jacob like the splendor of Israel, though destroyers have laid them waste and have ruined their vines.
1Woe to the city of blood, full of lies, full of plunder, never without victims!2The crack of whips, the clatter of wheels, galloping horses and jolting chariots!3Charging cavalry, flashing swords and glittering spears! Many casualties, piles of dead, bodies without number, people stumbling over the corpses-6I will pelt you with filth, I will treat you with contempt and make you a spectacle.7All who see you will flee from you and say, 'Nineveh is in ruins-who will mourn for her?' Where can I find anyone to comfort you?"
Matthew
24Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.25For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.26What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?27For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.28I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the call to live a life aligned with God's will, emphasizing the consequences of our choices and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from Nahum paints a vivid picture of judgment upon Nineveh, a city steeped in corruption and violence. Nahum's prophecy underscores the inevitability of God's justice, where the once-mighty city faces ruin due to its refusal to repent. This serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's path.
In the Gospel, Matthew presents Jesus' teachings on discipleship, highlighting the necessity of self-denial and taking up the cross. Jesus' words challenge us to reevaluate our priorities, emphasizing that true life is found not in worldly gains but in sacrificing for the sake of faith. The passage also touches on the eschatological hope of Christ's return, where each person will be judged according to their deeds. This serves as both a warning and an encouragement to live with integrity and purpose.
Connecting these readings, Nahum's prophecy illustrates the dire consequences of ignoring God's will, while Matthew offers the solution: following Christ through self-denial. In our daily lives, this means prioritizing spiritual values over material success and embracing sacrifices as part of our faith journey. The moral lesson is clear: a life well-lived is measured by fidelity to God, not earthly achievements. As we navigate our own paths, may we find the courage to carry our crosses, trusting in God's justice and mercy, and striving to live in accordance with His will.