Daily Readings - Wed Jul 14 2021
Exodus
1Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.3So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up."4When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."5"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."6Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.9And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.10So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."11But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"12And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."
Matthew
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of divine interaction that invite us to reflect on trust, humility, and the nature of God's revelation. The first reading from Exodus describes Moses' encounter with God in the burning bush. Moses, tending his father-in-law's sheep, is unexpectedly called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his hesitation and self-doubt, God assures Moses of His presence and support, emphasizing His trust in Moses' ability to fulfill this mission. This passage highlights the theme of divine vocation and the importance of trusting in God's plan, even when we feel inadequate.
The Gospel reading from Matthew offers a complementary perspective. Jesus praises God for revealing divine truths to the "little ones" rather than to the wise and learned. This prayer underscores the idea that spiritual understanding is not reserved for the intellectually elite but is accessible to those who approach with humility and simplicity. Jesus also affirms that true knowledge of God comes through knowing the Son, who reveals the Father to those who are open to His truth. This teaching challenges us to cultivate humility and openness in our relationship with God.
Both readings remind us that God often works through the unlikely and the humble. Moses, a man who felt unworthy, became a great leader, and Jesus teaches that divine truths are revealed to those who are simple of heart. In our daily lives, these readings encourage us to trust in God's plan, even when we feel unprepared or uncertain. They invite us to embrace humility and openness, recognizing that true wisdom comes from God, not from human pride or self-reliance. Let us reflect on how we can respond to God's call with faith and humility, trusting that He will be with us, just as He was with Moses.