Daily Readings - Thu Aug 04 2022
Jeremiah
31"The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.32It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them, "declares the LORD.33"This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.34No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
Matthew
13When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"14They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."17Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.18And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."20Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.21From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"23Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter profound insights into God’s relationship with humanity and the establishment of His Church. The first reading from Jeremiah 31:31-34 speaks of a new covenant, where God’s law will be written on the hearts of His people, fostering a deep, personal relationship with Him. This prophecy points to a future where knowing God is intrinsic, a far cry from the external observances of the past. The context is one of hope and renewal, assuring the people of Israel that despite their failures, God remains faithful and will establish a covenant that transforms hearts.
In the Gospel, Matthew 16:13-23, Jesus shifts the focus from public opinion to personal confession. Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, is pivotal. Jesus establishes Peter as the rock of His Church, granting him authority and emphasizing the Church’s role in God’s plan. However, this is followed by Jesus’ prediction of His suffering and Peter’s resistance, highlighting the tension between human understanding and divine will. This narrative underscores the Church’s foundation on faith and the necessity of embracing God’s plan, even when it challenges our own desires.
These readings connect through the theme of covenant and faith. Jeremiah’s prophecy is fulfilled in Christ, who through His Church, invites all to a personal relationship with God. Peter’s confession and subsequent struggle remind us that living out our faith requires trusting in God’s will, even when it’s difficult. In our daily lives, we are called to embody this new covenant, living with hearts open to God’s presence and trusting in His plan, even when it leads us through trials. Let us reflect on our own faith journey, seeking to deepen our personal relationship with God and trust in His divine plan.