Daily Readings - Thu Jun 16 2022
Sirach
1And the prophet Elijah arose like a fire, and his word burned like a torch2He brought a famine upon them, and those who provoked him in their envy became few. For they could not bear the precepts of the Lord3By the word of the Lord, he closed the heavens, and he brought down fire from heaven three times4In this way, Elijah was magnified in his wondrous works. So who can say that he is similar to you in glory5He raised up a dead man from the grave, from the fate of death, by the word of the Lord God6He threw down kings unto perdition, and he easily shattered their power and boasting from his bed7He heeded the judgment at Sinai, and the judgments of punishment at Horeb8He anointed kings unto repentance, and he chose the prophets who would follow after him9He was received into a whirlwind of fire, into a swift chariot with fiery horses10He is written in the judgments of the times, so as to lessen the wrath of the Lord, to reconcile the heart of the father to the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob11Blessed are those who saw you, and who were adorned with your friendship12For we live only in our life, and after death, our name will not be the same13Certainly, Elijah was covered by the whirlwind, and his spirit was completed in Elisha. In his days, he was not fearful of the ruler, and no power defeated him14No word overwhelmed him, and after death, his body prophesied
Matthew
7And when praying, do not choose many words, as the pagans do. For they think that by their excess of words they might be heeded8Therefore, do not choose to imitate them. For your Father knows what your needs may be, even before you ask him9Therefore, you shall pray in this way: Our Father, who is in heaven: May your name be kept holy10May your kingdom come. May your will be done, as in heaven, so also on earth11Give us this day our life-sustaining bread12And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors13And lead us not into temptation. But free us from evil. Amen14For if you will forgive men their sins, your heavenly Father also will forgive you your offenses15But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your sins
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the power of prayer and the importance of living with sincerity and forgiveness. The first reading from Sirach highlights the prophet Elijah, whose trust in God led to remarkable miracles and a deep impact on his people. Elijah's story teaches us that true power comes from faith and a steadfast commitment to God's will. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching the disciples the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing that prayer should be heartfelt and not just a recitation of words. Jesus underscores the essential role of forgiveness in our prayers, reminding us that our relationship with God is deeply intertwined with how we relate to others.
Both readings remind us that prayer is not about grand gestures or elaborate words but about sincerity and trust. Elijah's miracles were born out of his deep connection with God, while Jesus teaches that prayer should reflect our true selves and our willingness to forgive. The context of these readings shows us that prayer is a personal and communal act that shapes who we are and how we live. Elijah's faith and Jesus' teachings call us to examine our own prayer lives and ensure they are rooted in authenticity and compassion.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are encouraged to approach prayer with honesty and simplicity. Let us not get caught up in the length or complexity of our prayers but instead focus on speaking from our hearts. Forgiveness, as Jesus emphasizes, is central to our spiritual well-being. As we navigate our relationships and challenges, may we remember to forgive others as we seek forgiveness from God. In doing so, we embody the spirit of Elijah's faith and the teachings of Jesus, living as people of prayer and mercy. Let us strive to make prayer a genuine expression of our love for God and our commitment to living as His children.