Daily Readings - Tue Jun 27 2023
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 challenge of making difficult choices and the call to live a life of faith and discernment. The first reading from Genesis describes the separation of Abram and Lot due to the abundance of their possessions, which leads to tension between their shepherds. Abram, demonstrating remarkable humility and trust in God, allows Lot to choose the land he desires. Lot, enticed by the fertile plains near Sodom, selects what appears to be the more prosperous path, while Abram remains in Canaan, trusting in God’s promise to make his offspring as countless as the dust of the earth. This story reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in faith and trust in God’s providence.
The Gospel reading from Matthew complements this theme by emphasizing the importance of discernment and the narrow path to eternal life. Jesus warns against giving sacred things to those who cannot appreciate them, urging us to live according to the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” He then contrasts the wide and easy path that leads to destruction with the narrow and difficult path that leads to life. This teaching challenges us to reflect on our choices and priorities, reminding us that following Christ requires sacrifice and a commitment to living according to His teachings.
Together, these readings invite us to evaluate our own lives and the choices we face. Like Abram, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it requires letting go of worldly desires. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we are reminded that the path to true happiness and fulfillment is not always easy but is worth the effort. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, let us strive to live with humility, discernment, and faith, remembering that our ultimate goal is not earthly prosperity but eternal life with God.