Daily Readings - Tue Jun 08 2021
2 Corinthians
18But God is faithful, so our word, which was set before you, was not, in him, both Yes and No19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you through us, through myself and Sylvanus and Timothy, was not Yes, and No; but was simply Yes in him20For whatever promises are of God are, in him, Yes. For this reason, too, through him: Amen to God for our glory21Now the One who confirms us with you in Christ, and who has anointed us, is God22And he has sealed us, and he has placed the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts
Matthew
13You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, with what will it be salted? It is no longer useful at all, except to be cast out and trampled under by men14You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden15And they do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that it may shine to all who are in the house16So then, let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father, who is in heaven
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the profound trust we place in God and the vital role we play as His people in the world. In the first reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul reassures the Corinthians of God's unwavering faithfulness. He emphasizes that all of God's promises are fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate "Yes" to His people. Paul also highlights the anointing and sealing of the Holy Spirit, which marks us as God's own and equips us for our mission. This passage invites us to trust in God's reliability and to live with confidence in His plan for us.
In the Gospel, Jesus uses the imagery of salt and light to describe the transformative impact His followers should have on the world. Salt, when it loses its flavor, becomes useless, just as a light hidden under a basket fails to illuminate. Jesus calls us to be visible and effective in our faith, letting our good works shine so that others may see God's glory. This teaching challenges us to live authentically and intentionally, ensuring that our faith is not just a private conviction but a public witness that draws others to God.
Together, these readings remind us that our faith is both a gift and a responsibility. We are called to trust in God's faithfulness and to live in a way that reflects His presence in our lives. Like salt and light, we are to preserve the moral fabric of our world and to illuminate it with the truth and love of Christ. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living in a way that honors God's promises? Am I allowing His light to shine through me? May we embrace our mission as disciples, trusting in God's fidelity and striving to make a difference in the world around us.