Daily Readings - Sat Jul 05 2025
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 invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, deception, and spiritual growth. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Jacob and Esau, where Rebekah orchestrates a deception to secure the blessing for her favored son, Jacob. This tale reveals the complexities of human desire and the consequences of manipulating divine plans. The second reading from Matthew finds Jesus addressing his disciples about fasting, using parables of new cloth and wineskins to illustrate the incompatibility of old and new practices, emphasizing the need for spiritual renewal.
The Genesis story highlights the tension between human schemes and divine providence. Isaac, nearing the end of his life, seeks to bless his firstborn son, Esau, but Rebekah's interference leads Jacob to deceive his father. This act of deception, while successful in the moment, sets the stage for future conflict and division within the family. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of relying on cunning and control rather than trusting in God's plan.
In contrast, Jesus' teachings in Matthew offer a vision of spiritual transformation. He explains that just as new wine cannot be poured into old wineskins without causing rupture, so too must our hearts and minds be open to the newness that God brings. This teaching challenges us to let go of old ways of thinking and being, embracing instead the fresh perspectives and practices that faith requires.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own approach to faith and life. Are we like Rebekah, trying to manipulate circumstances to achieve our desires, or are we open to the transformative power of God? Jesus reminds us that true spiritual growth requires humility and a willingness to embrace change. As we navigate the complexities of our own lives, may we trust in God's plan and seek to live with integrity, avoiding the pitfalls of deception and instead choosing the path of openness and trust. Let us remember that blessings come not through our own schemes, but through surrendering to God's will.