Daily Readings - Tue Jun 25 2019
Genesis
2But he was very wealthy by the possession of gold and silver5But Lot also, who was with Abram, had flocks of sheep, and cattle, and tents6Neither was the land able to contain them, so that they might dwell together. Indeed, their substance was so great that they could not live in common7And then there also arose a conflict between the shepherds of Abram and of Lot. Now at that time the Canaanite and the Perizzite lived in that land8Therefore, Abram said to Lot: "I ask you, let there be no quarrel between me and you, and between my shepherds and your shepherds. For we are brothers9Behold, the entire land is before your eyes. Withdraw from me, I beg you. If you will go to the left, I will take the right. If you choose the right, I will pass to the left.10And so Lot, lifting up his eyes, saw all the region around the Jordan, which was thoroughly irrigated, before the Lord overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It was like the Paradise of the Lord, and it was like Egypt, approaching toward Zoar11And Lot chose for himself the region around the Jordan, and he withdrew by way of the east. And they were divided, one brother from the other12Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan. In truth, Lot stayed in the towns that were around the Jordan, and he lived in Sodom13But the men of Sodom were very wicked, and they were sinners before the Lord beyond measure14And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot was divided from him: "Lift up your eyes, and gaze out from the place where you are now, to the north and to the meridian, to the east and to the west15All the land that you see, I will give to you, and to your offspring even forever16And I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth. If any man is able to number the dust of the earth, he will be able to number your offspring as well17Arise and walk through the land in its length, and breadth. For I will give it to you.18Therefore, moving his tent, Abram went and dwelt by the steep valley of Mamre, which is in Hebron. And he built an altar there to the Lord
Matthew
6Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not cast your pearls before swine, lest perhaps they may trample them under their feet, and then, turning, they may tear you apart12Therefore, all things whatsoever that you wish that men would do to you, do so also to them. For this is the law and the prophets13Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate, and broad is the way, which leads to perdition, and many there are who enter through it14How narrow is the gate, and how straight is the way, which leads to life, and few there are who find it
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Abram and Lot, who, because of their wealth and the tension between their shepherds, decide to part ways. Abram, with remarkable generosity and trust in God, allows Lot to choose the more fertile land for himself. Despite Lot’s choice of the Jordan Valley, which seems like a paradise, Abram remains faithful, and God reiterates His promise to Abram, assuring him that the entire land will belong to his descendants. This reading highlights Abram’s selflessness, trust in God’s providence, and the importance of avoiding conflict by prioritizing harmony.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus teaching about the narrow gate and the difficulty of following the path that leads to eternal life. Jesus warns that not everyone will find this path, as it requires living according to God’s will and treating sacred things with reverence. He also reminds us of the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” This teaching emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life, making wise choices, and being mindful of how we treat others and the gifts we’ve been given.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our choices and priorities in life. Abram’s decision to let go of material wealth for the sake of peace and trust in God’s plan teaches us about selflessness and faith. Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate reminds us that living a life of virtue and love requires effort and discernment. In our daily lives, we are constantly faced with choices: between selfishness and generosity, between ease and virtue, between short-term gains and long-term faithfulness. Let us strive to follow Abram’s example of trust and selflessness, and to walk the narrow path that leads to life, guided by the wisdom of the Gospel. May we always remember that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in our relationship with God and our commitment to living according to His will.