Daily Readings - Sun Aug 16 2020
Isaiah
1This is what the LORD says: "Maintain justice and do what is right, for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed.6And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD to serve him, to love the name of the LORD, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant-7these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations."
Romans
13I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I make much of my ministry14in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.15For if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?29for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.30Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience,31so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you.32For God has bound all men over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Matthew
21Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon.22A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."23Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."24He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."25The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.26He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."27"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."28Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on God's universal mercy and inclusion. In Isaiah, we hear a call to justice and salvation, emphasizing that God's house is a place of prayer for all people, highlighting inclusivity. Romans expands on this theme, explaining that God's mercy extends beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles, illustrating that His gifts are irrevocable and available to all. The Gospel from Matthew vividly illustrates this inclusion through the story of the Canaanite woman, whose persistence and faith lead Jesus to heal her daughter, demonstrating that His mission is not limited to the Israelites but embraces all who have faith.
These readings collectively underscore God's desire to reach all people, regardless of their background. They remind us that faith and persistence can lead to healing and that God's love is not confined by boundaries. The Canaanite woman's humility and determination serve as a model for our own approach to prayer, encouraging us to seek God with openness and trust.
In our daily lives, these readings inspire us to embrace diversity and recognize God's presence in everyone. They call us to live with humility, perseverance, and faith, trusting in God's universal love and mercy. Let us strive to be open to others, just as God is open to all, and remember that His love knows no bounds.