Daily Readings - Wed Jul 16 2025
Exodus
1Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.3So Moses thought, "I will go over and see this strange sight-why the bush does not burn up."4When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!" And Moses said, "Here I am."5"Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."6Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.9And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them.10So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt."11But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"12And God said, "I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."
Matthew
25At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.26Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.27"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound moments of divine revelation and the call to trust in God's plan. The first reading from Exodus describes Moses' encounter with the burning bush, where God commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, feeling unworthy and inadequate, questions his ability to fulfill such a daunting task. Yet, God reassures him with the promise, "I will be with you." This exchange highlights the theme of divine vocation and the importance of trusting in God's presence and guidance.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus praising the Father for revealing divine truths to the simple and humble, rather than to the wise and learned. Jesus emphasizes that true understanding comes from the Father through the Son, underscoring the necessity of humility in receiving God's revelation. Together, these readings remind us that God often calls the unlikely and the humble to fulfill His purposes, and that His grace is sufficient to overcome our limitations.
As we reflect on these passages, let us consider how they apply to our own lives. Like Moses, we may feel inadequate when faced with challenges or opportunities to serve. Yet, God's promise to be with us remains steadfast. Similarly, Jesus invites us to approach Him with childlike humility, trusting that He will reveal His truth and guidance to us. May we embrace this call to trust in God's providence and to seek His will with humble and open hearts.