Daily Readings - Wed Jun 26 2019
Genesis
1And so, these things having been transacted, the word of the Lord came to Abram by a vision, saying: "Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your protector, and your reward is exceedingly great.2And Abram said: "Lord God, what will you give to me? I may go without children. And the son of the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus.3And Abram added: "Yet to me you have not given offspring. And behold, my servant born in my house will be my heir.4And immediately the word of the Lord came to him, saying: "This one will not be your heir. But he who will come from your loins, the same will you have for your heir.5And he brought him outside, and he said to him, "Take in the heavens, and number the stars, if you can." And he said to him, "So also will your offspring be.6Abram believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice7And he said to him, "I am the Lord who led you away from Ur of the Chaldeans, so as to give you this land, and so that you would possess it.8But he said, "Lord God, in what way may I be able to know that I will possess it?9And the Lord responded by saying: "Take for me a cow of three years, and a she-goat of three years, and a ram of three years, also a turtle-dove and a pigeon.10Taking all these, he divided them through the middle, and placed both parts opposite one another. But the birds he did not divide11And birds descended upon the carcasses, but Abram drove them away12And when the sun was setting, a deep sleep fell upon Abram, and a dread, great and dark, invaded him17Then, when the sun had set, there came a dark mist, and there appeared a smoking furnace and a lamp of fire passing between those divisions18On that day, God formed a covenant with Abram, saying: "To your offspring I will give this land, from the river of Egypt, even to the great river Euphrates
Matthew
15Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves16You shall know them by their fruits. Can grapes be gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles17So then, every good tree produces good fruit, and the evil tree produces evil fruit18A good tree is not able to produce evil fruit, and an evil tree is not able to produce good fruit19Every tree which does not produce good fruit shall be cut down and cast into the fire20Therefore, by their fruits you will know them
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Genesis recounts God's covenant with Abram, where God promises him land and numerous descendants. Abram's unwavering trust in God, despite the challenges, exemplifies the kind of faith we are called to embrace. This passage reminds us that our trust in God's promises is a cornerstone of our faith, even when the future seems uncertain.
The Gospel from Matthew cautions us against false prophets, urging us to discern their true nature by their actions, or "fruits." Jesus teaches us that just as a tree is known by its fruit, so too are spiritual leaders. This passage emphasizes the importance of discernment in our lives, encouraging us to seek guidance from those who embody goodness and truth.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on the interplay between faith and discernment. Abram's story shows us that trusting God's plan leads to profound blessings, while Matthew's warning reminds us to remain vigilant in our choices. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's promises and to wisely discern the influences around us, ensuring that we follow those who bear the fruits of righteousness. Let us strive to cultivate this faith and discernment, allowing God's light to guide us on our path.