Daily Readings - Wed Aug 11 2021
Deuteronomy
1Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed him the whole land-from Gilead to Dan,2all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea,3the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar.4Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it."5And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said.6He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.7Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.8The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.9Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.10Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,11who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt-to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land.12For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.
Matthew
15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound narratives that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Deuteronomy brings us to the end of Moses' life, where he is shown the Promised Land but is not permitted to enter it. This moment, while poignant, underscores Moses' unwavering faith and trust in God's plan. Despite his deep connection with the people and his leadership, Moses accepts God's will, demonstrating humility and obedience. His death marks the end of an era, yet it also signifies the beginning of a new chapter for the Israelites under Joshua's leadership, highlighting the importance of transitions in faith.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to community dynamics, offering a structured approach to conflict resolution. Jesus teaches us to address disputes privately first, then with witnesses, and finally through the Church. This process emphasizes the value of unity and reconciliation within the community. The reading also reminds us of the power of collective prayer, where even a few gathered in Jesus' name can move mountains, illustrating the strength found in united faith.
Both readings, while distinct, weave together themes of faith and community. Moses' trust in God's plan, despite not entering the Promised Land, mirrors the faith we need in our own lives, even when God's path is unclear. The Gospel's conflict resolution process calls us to actively maintain harmony, reflecting our faith in action. In our daily lives, we are reminded to trust God's plan and to work towards resolving conflicts with love and understanding. Let us strive to live with the faith of Moses and the unity taught by Jesus, building a community where God's presence is palpable.