Daily Readings - Wed Jul 05 2023
Genesis
5Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.8The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast.9But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking,10and she said to Abraham, "Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac."11The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.12But God said to him, "Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.13I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring."14Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert of Beersheba.15When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes.16Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, "I cannot watch the boy die." And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob.17God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.18Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation."19Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.20God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer.
Matthew
28When he arrived at the other side in the region of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men coming from the tombs met him. They were so violent that no one could pass that way.29"What do you want with us, Son of God?" they shouted. "Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?"30Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding.31The demons begged Jesus, "If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs."32He said to them, "Go!" So they came out and went into the pigs, and the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and died in the water.33Those tending the pigs ran off, went into the town and reported all this, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.34Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that invite us to reflect on trust in God's providence and His power over adversity. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Abraham, who, at 100 years old, faces a difficult decision regarding Hagar and Ishmael. Trusting in God's promise, Abraham sends them away, and through divine intervention, they find sustenance in the wilderness. This story underscores Abraham's faith and God's unwavering care, even in challenging circumstances.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus confronting demonic forces, demonstrating His authority and the profound impact of His ministry. The demons, fearing torment, plead with Jesus, who casts them into a herd of pigs. This event highlights Jesus' power over evil and the varied reactions to His presence, from fear to awe. Together, these readings remind us of the importance of trusting God's plan and recognizing His sovereignty over all challenges.
In our daily lives, these stories encourage us to embrace faith in God's providence, especially during difficult decisions and trials. Just as Abraham trusted God and Jesus demonstrated divine authority, we too can find strength in knowing that God's power and care are ever-present. Let us cultivate this trust, allowing it to guide us through life's uncertainties, and remember that God's plan, though sometimes unclear, is always for our good.