Daily Readings - Tue Jun 13 2023
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
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound truths about God's faithfulness and our role as believers in the world. The second reading from 2 Corinthians emphasizes God's reliability, assuring us that His promises are always affirmed through Jesus Christ. This passage addresses concerns about human inconsistency, highlighting that while we may falter, God remains steadfast. The Gospel from Matthew uses the metaphors of salt and light to illustrate our mission as disciples. Jesus teaches that just as salt must retain its essence to be effective, and light must shine brightly to illuminate, we too must live our faith authentically and visibly.
The context of these readings sheds light on their deeper meanings. In Corinthians, Paul addresses his own reliability, reassuring his audience of God's unwavering faithfulness despite any human shortcomings. In Matthew, Jesus' teachings during the Sermon on the Mount use everyday elements to convey the transformative impact believers should have. Both readings intertwine themes of trust in God and the active role of believers, encouraging us to rely on His promises and to influence the world around us.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embody faithfulness and visibility. Just as salt seasons and preserves, our actions should bring positive change. Like light, our faith should illuminate our surroundings, guiding others towards God. This means living with integrity, compassion, and courage in our communities, workplaces, and homes. The moral lesson here is trust in God's faithfulness and living out our faith boldly. We are called to be agents of hope and change, reflecting God's love and truth in all we do.