Daily Readings - Mon Jul 15 2024
Isaiah
10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!11"The multitude of your sacrifices- what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats.12When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts?13Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations- I cannot bear your evil assemblies.14Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.15When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood;16wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong,17learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.
Matthew
34"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.35For I have come to turn "'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law--36a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'37"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me;38and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.39Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.40"He who receives you receives me, and he who receives me receives the one who sent me.41Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward.42And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
1After Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in the towns of Galilee.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages that challenge us to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the way we live it out. The first reading from Isaiah confronts us with a stark reality: outward acts of worship and sacrifice mean little if they are not accompanied by justice, compassion, and a genuine change of heart. Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, rebuking the people for their empty rituals and calling them to “learn to do good” by seeking justice and defending the vulnerable. This is not merely a critique of ancient Israel but a timeless reminder that faith must be lived out in tangible ways.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents a similar challenge, though in a different tone. Jesus speaks of division and the cost of discipleship, emphasizing that following Him requires more than superficial commitment. He calls us to take up our cross, to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, and to recognize that true life is found in self-sacrifice. The second part of the reading reminds us that even small acts of kindness, such as giving a cup of cold water to someone in need, are meaningful in God’s eyes. Jesus’ words remind us that discipleship is not about comfort or ease but about living in a way that reflects His love and values.
These readings are deeply connected. Both Isaiah and Jesus emphasize that faith is not just about rituals or words but about actions that reflect a transformed heart. Isaiah calls us to move beyond empty sacrifices to lives of justice and compassion, while Jesus calls us to embrace the challenges of discipleship and to live in a way that prioritizes love and service. Together, they remind us that true worship is not confined to temples or churches but is lived out in our daily choices and interactions.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Are our actions aligned with our faith? Do we prioritize justice, compassion, and love in our lives? Let us strive to move beyond superficial religiosity and instead embrace the radical call to live as disciples of Christ. May we seek to do good, stand with the oppressed, and reflect God’s love in all that we do. In doing so, we will find true life and fulfill the call to be the hands and feet of Christ in the world.