God’s Presence Is Everywhere

This week’s readings guide us to the eighth Sunday after Pentecost. Just as God promised land and descendants to Abraham, God confirms these same promises to Abraham’s grandson, Jacob. The psalmist meditates on and takes comfort in the fact that God knows everything and is everywhere, asking God to reveal sins from which the psalmist needs to turn. The Romans passage continues Paul’s reflection on the life in the Spirit. Because we are children of God, we cry out with confidence that God will hear and answer. Jesus tells a parable in Matthew concerning the final judgment. He says that the wicked will be taken first, then the righteous will be gathered together.

Read Genesis 28:10-19a. Identify a time when you recognized God’s plan for you.
Read Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24. List three moments in the psalm when you connect with God’s presence. What is holding you back from inviting God to search your heart?
Read Romans 8:12-25. Paul emphasizes hope. Explain the significance of hope for believers.
Read Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. Why is it challenging to know the truth about someone?