Daily Readings - Wed Aug 16 2023
Deuteronomy
1Then Moses climbed Mount Nebo from the plains of Moab to the top of Pisgah, across from Jericho. There the LORD showed him the whole land-from Gilead to Dan,2all of Naphtali, the territory of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the western sea,3the Negev and the whole region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar.4Then the LORD said to him, "This is the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob when I said, 'I will give it to your descendants.' I have let you see it with your eyes, but you will not cross over into it."5And Moses the servant of the LORD died there in Moab, as the LORD had said.6He buried him in Moab, in the valley opposite Beth Peor, but to this day no one knows where his grave is.7Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.8The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.9Now Joshua son of Nun was filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands on him. So the Israelites listened to him and did what the LORD had commanded Moses.10Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face,11who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt-to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land.12For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.
Matthew
15"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.16But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.18"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.19"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful lessons about leadership, transition, and the importance of community. The first reading from Deuteronomy brings us to the end of Moses’ journey. Standing on Mount Nebo, Moses gazes out at the Promised Land, a land he will not enter. Despite his deep connection to God and his people, Moses’ life comes to an end, and he is buried in an unmarked grave. Yet, even in death, Moses’ legacy endures. The text reminds us that Joshua, filled with the spirit of wisdom, takes up the mantle of leadership, guiding the people forward. This passage teaches us that while individual journeys may end, God’s plan continues through others. It invites us to trust in God’s providence and to embrace the transitions in our own lives.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the dynamics of community life. Jesus teaches us how to address conflicts with one another. He emphasizes the importance of approaching disputes with love and humility—first speaking privately, then involving others, and finally bringing the matter to the Church. This process reflects Jesus’ desire for unity and reconciliation among his followers. The passage also highlights the power of prayer in community. When two or three gather in Jesus’ name, he is present among them, and their united prayers are heard in heaven. This reminds us that our relationships with one another are not just human endeavors but are deeply spiritual, and that together, we can accomplish great things when we seek God’s will.
Both readings call us to reflect on our roles within our communities. Like Moses, we may not see the fullness of what God is doing, but we are called to faithfulness in our own time. Like the early followers of Jesus, we are invited to approach conflicts with humility and to trust in the power of prayer. As we navigate the challenges of daily life, let us remember that we are part of a larger story. May we lead with wisdom, seek reconciliation with one another, and pray with confidence, knowing that God is always with us.