Daily Readings - Mon Jul 11 2022
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!11"The multitude of your sacrifices- what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.12When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?13Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations- I cannot bear your evil assemblies.14Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.15When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood;16wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong,17learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Matthew
34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.35For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.41Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter a profound call to authenticity and commitment in our faith. The first reading from Isaiah 1:10-17 confronts us with God's displeasure towards empty rituals. The Israelites are going through the motions of sacrifice and festivals, yet their hearts are far from God, marked by injustice and oppression. Isaiah emphasizes that true worship is not about rituals but about living justly and compassionately.
In the Gospel, Matthew 10:34–11:1, Jesus challenges us with a radical message. He comes not to bring comfort but to disrupt, even within families, calling us to prioritize Him above all else. Following Jesus means taking up our cross, embracing sacrifice, and standing for righteousness. Jesus also highlights the importance of receiving prophets and the righteous, and even small acts of kindness, like giving a cup of water, are rewarded.
These readings connect by emphasizing that true faith transcends rituals. Isaiah calls for justice, while Jesus demands unwavering commitment. Together, they remind us that faith must be lived authentically, transforming our actions and relationships. In our daily lives, this means more than attending church; it involves standing up for justice, helping the needy, and making tough choices to follow God's will. Let us reflect on how we can live our faith with authenticity, allowing it to transform our world.