Daily Readings - Tue Jun 22 2021
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes: the importance of wise choices and the call to live according to God’s plan. The first reading from Genesis recounts the story of Abram and Lot, who must separate their households due to the abundance of their possessions. Abram, demonstrating humility and trust in God, allows Lot to choose the more fertile land near Sodom. Though Lot’s choice seems advantageous, it ultimately leads him into a place of wickedness. Abram, on the other hand, remains faithful, and God renews His promise to him, assuring him of a future filled with blessing.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to the teachings of Jesus, who emphasizes the importance of discernment and living according to the narrow path. He warns against giving what is sacred to those who would not appreciate it and reminds us to treat others as we would like to be treated. Jesus then contrasts the wide and easy road that leads to destruction with the narrow and difficult path that leads to life. Few, He says, will find this narrow way.
These readings invite us to reflect on the choices we make in our own lives. Like Abram, we are called to trust in God’s providence, even when it requires sacrifice or humility. Like Lot, we must be cautious not to be seduced by worldly attractions that may lead us away from God’s will. Jesus’ teachings remind us that our decisions have consequences and that living as His disciples requires us to choose the path that aligns with His teachings, even when it is challenging. Let us strive to walk the narrow way, trusting in God’s promise of eternal life and seeking to live in a way that reflects His love and truth.