Daily Readings - Thu Jun 20 2024
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
The first reading from Sirach reminds us of the extraordinary life and ministry of the prophet Elijah, a man of deep faith and unwavering trust in God. Elijah’s story is one of miracles, courage, and divine intervention. He brought fire from heaven, raised the dead, and stood firm against the corruption of his time. Yet, despite his remarkable deeds, Elijah’s greatest legacy was his ability to reconcile and restore—his prayers and actions brought healing to a divided people. This passage invites us to reflect on the power of faith and the importance of trusting in God’s providence, even in the face of adversity.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to pray with simplicity and sincerity. He warns against the emptiness of many words, as if prayer were a matter of quantity rather than depth. The Lord’s Prayer, which He gives us, is a model of humility and trust. It begins with reverence for God’s name, a desire for His kingdom, and a surrender to His will. It then turns to our needs—daily bread, forgiveness, and protection from evil. Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness is not optional; it is a condition of our own forgiveness. This teaching challenges us to examine our hearts and our relationships, to let go of grudges, and to seek reconciliation.
Both readings call us to live with faith and integrity. Elijah’s life shows us that even in the most challenging times, God’s power can work through us. Jesus’ teaching on prayer reminds us that our relationship with God is personal and intimate, and that forgiveness is at the heart of that relationship. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to trust in God’s plan, to pray with sincerity, and to forgive as we have been forgiven. In doing so, we become instruments of healing and reconciliation, just as Elijah was, and we grow closer to the Father, as Jesus taught.