Daily Readings - Wed Aug 02 2023
Exodus
29When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD.30When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him.31But Moses called to them; so Aaron and all the leaders of the community came back to him, and he spoke to them.32Afterward all the Israelites came near him, and he gave them all the commands the LORD had given him on Mount Sinai.33When Moses finished speaking to them, he put a veil over his face.34But whenever he entered the LORD's presence to speak with him, he removed the veil until he came out. And when he came out and told the Israelites what he had been commanded,35they saw that his face was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil back over his face until he went in to speak with the LORD.
Matthew
44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound moments of divine encounter and transformation. The first reading from Exodus describes Moses descending from Mount Sinai with the tablets of the covenant, his face radiant after speaking with God. This radiance, a physical manifestation of his spiritual encounter, inspires both awe and fear in the people, prompting Moses to wear a veil except when he is in God's presence. This passage underscores the transformative power of being in God's presence and the reverence it inspires.
The Gospel from Matthew presents two parables: the hidden treasure and the pearl of great value. Both illustrate the joy and sacrifice involved in seeking the Kingdom of Heaven. The treasure, once found, is so cherished that one sells all possessions to acquire it. Similarly, the merchant, upon finding the pearl, sells everything to purchase it. These parables highlight the invaluable nature of spiritual truth and the commitment required to pursue it.
These readings, though from different contexts, share a common theme of transformation and commitment. Moses' radiance symbolizes the impact of divine encounter, while the parables emphasize the joy and sacrifice of seeking spiritual riches. In our daily lives, we are called to seek God with such dedication, allowing His presence to transform us. Just as Moses' encounter changed him, our pursuit of God should lead to a life of commitment and joy, reflecting the divine light within us. Let us strive to prioritize our spiritual journey, embracing the transformation it brings, and cherish the invaluable gift of God's Kingdom.