Daily Readings - Sat Jul 08 2023
Genesis
1When Isaac was old and his eyes were so weak that he could no longer see, he called for Esau his older son and said to him, "My son.Here I am," he answered.2Isaac said, "I am now an old man and don't know the day of my death.3Now then, get your weapons-your quiver and bow-and go out to the open country to hunt some wild game for me.4Prepare me the kind of tasty food I like and bring it to me to eat, so that I may give you my blessing before I die."5Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back,9Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it.10Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies."15Then Rebekah took the best clothes of Esau her older son, which she had in the house, and put them on her younger son Jacob.16She also covered his hands and the smooth part of his neck with the goatskins.17Then she handed to her son Jacob the tasty food and the bread she had made.18He went to his father and said, "My father.Yes, my son," he answered. "Who is it?"19Jacob said to his father, "I am Esau your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game so that you may give me your blessing."20Isaac asked his son, "How did you find it so quickly, my son?The LORD your God gave me success," he replied.21Then Isaac said to Jacob, "Come near so I can touch you, my son, to know whether you really are my son Esau or not."22Jacob went close to his father Isaac, who touched him and said, "The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau."23He did not recognize him, for his hands were hairy like those of his brother Esau; so he blessed him.24"Are you really my son Esau?" he asked. "I am," he replied.25Then he said, "My son, bring me some of your game to eat, so that I may give you my blessing." Jacob brought it to him and he ate; and he brought some wine and he drank.26Then his father Isaac said to him, "Come here, my son, and kiss me."27So he went to him and kissed him. When Isaac caught the smell of his clothes, he blessed him and said, "Ah, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field that the LORD has blessed.28May God give you of heaven's dew and of earth's richness- an abundance of grain and new wine.29May nations serve you and peoples bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and may the sons of your mother bow down to you. May those who curse you be cursed and those who bless you be blessed."
Matthew
14Then John's disciples came and asked him, "How is it that we and the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?"15Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.16"No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.17Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two distinct narratives that, upon closer examination, reveal a common theme of transformation and the challenges it presents. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Jacob and Esau, where Rebekah assists Jacob in deceiving Isaac to secure the blessing intended for Esau. This tale highlights the complexities of human desire and the consequences of deceit, illustrating how our weaknesses can lead us astray.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus discussing fasting with John's disciples. He uses the metaphor of the groom and wineskins to convey that His teachings represent a new era that cannot be confined by old traditions. Jesus emphasizes the necessity of embracing the new, as old structures cannot contain the freshness He brings.
Both readings invite us to reflect on the interplay between the old and the new. In Genesis, the old order is disrupted by Jacob's deception, leading to a shift in the family dynamics. In Matthew, Jesus introduces a new paradigm that challenges existing practices. This duality encourages us to consider the inevitability of change and the importance of adaptability in our spiritual journey.
In our daily lives, we often face moments where we must choose between clinging to the familiar or embracing the new. The readings remind us that growth and renewal are essential, even when uncomfortable. They urge us to approach change with openness and honesty, trusting in God's plan rather than resorting to deception.
Ultimately, the moral lesson is clear: we must embrace the newness that God brings into our lives, even when it disrupts our comfort. By doing so, we align ourselves with His will, fostering a spirit of truthfulness and trust. Let us seek to be open to transformation, knowing that it is through such change that we grow closer to God.