Daily Readings - Thu Aug 03 2023
Exodus
16Moses did everything just as the LORD commanded him.17So the tabernacle was set up on the first day of the first month in the second year.18When Moses set up the tabernacle, he put the bases in place, erected the frames, inserted the crossbars and set up the posts.19Then he spread the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering over the tent, as the LORD commanded him.20He took the Testimony and placed it in the ark, attached the poles to the ark and put the atonement cover over it.21Then he brought the ark into the tabernacle and hung the shielding curtain and shielded the ark of the Testimony, as the LORD commanded him.34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.35Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.36In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out;37but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out-until the day it lifted.38So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.
Matthew
47"Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish.48When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away.49This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous50and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.51"Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied.52He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."
Sermon
In today's readings, we journey through two profound narratives that invite us to reflect on God's presence and our responsibility as disciples. The first reading from Exodus describes Moses meticulously erecting the tabernacle, a sanctuary where God's glory resides. The tabernacle, filled with the cloud of God's presence, guides the Israelites, symbolizing God's active role in their lives. This passage underscores the importance of creating sacred spaces—both physical and spiritual—where God's presence can dwell.
The Gospel from Matthew presents the parable of the net, illustrating the kingdom of heaven as a net gathering all kinds of fish, which are later separated into good and bad. This parable reminds us of the inevitable judgment, where our actions and choices will be assessed. Jesus emphasizes that a true disciple, like a well-taught scribe, values both old and new wisdom, applying these teachings in their life.
These readings connect through themes of divine presence and accountability. Exodus shows us the tabernacle as a place of God's presence, while Matthew's parable calls us to live in a manner that reflects our faith, mindful of the judgment to come. In our daily lives, we are invited to create sacred spaces within our hearts, nurturing God's presence through prayer and reflection. We must also live with intentionality, ensuring our actions align with our faith, preparing for the day when our lives will be examined.
As we reflect, let us consider how we embody God's presence and live in anticipation of His judgment. May we strive to be disciples who cherish both tradition and new insights, using them to guide our actions. Let us live with purpose, creating a sanctuary of love and righteousness, ever-ready to stand before God with hearts full of grace.