Daily Readings - Wed Aug 13 2025
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 two significant moments that guide us in understanding leadership, community, and our relationship with God. The first reading from Deuteronomy brings us to the end of Moses' journey, where he is shown the Promised Land but does not enter it. This moment underscores the theme of transition and trust in God's plan, as Moses passes the mantle to Joshua. The second reading from Matthew offers Jesus' teachings on conflict resolution, emphasizing a structured approach to handling sins against one another, from private correction to involving the community, and finally, prayerful agreement.
The context of Deuteronomy is one of completion and new beginnings, as Moses' death marks the end of an era, while Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites into Canaan. In Matthew, Jesus addresses the dynamics of community life, highlighting the importance of unity and structured conflict resolution. Both readings connect through themes of leadership and community, reminding us that our actions and decisions within these contexts have divine implications.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to approach conflicts with love and structure, seeking resolution that honors God. We must trust in His plan, even during transitions, and recognize the power of prayer and community. The moral lesson here is the balance between justice and mercy, and the strength found in united prayer. As we navigate our own journeys, may we embrace these teachings, fostering unity and trust in God's providence.