Daily Readings - Mon Jun 30 2025
Genesis
16Therefore, when the men had risen up from there, they directed their eyes against Sodom. And Abraham traveled with them, leading them17And the Lord said: "How could I hide what I am about to do from Abraham18since he will become a great and very robust nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed19For I know that he will instruct his sons, and his household after him, to keep to the way of the Lord, and to act with judgment and justice, so that, for the sake of Abraham, the Lord may bring about all the things that he has spoken to him.20And so the Lord said, "The outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah has been multiplied, and their sin has become exceedingly grievous21I will descend and see whether they have fulfilled the work of the outcry that has reached me, or whether it is not so, in order that I may know.22And they turned themselves from there, and they went toward Sodom. Yet in truth, Abraham still stood in the sight of the Lord23And as they drew near, he said: "Will you destroy the just with the impious24If there were fifty of the just in the city, will they perish with the rest? And will you not spare that place for the sake of fifty of the just, if they were in it25Far be it from you to do this thing, and to kill the just with the impious, and for the just to be treated like the impious. No, this is not like you. You judge all the earth; you would never make such a judgment.26And the Lord said to him, "If I find in Sodom fifty of the just in the midst of the city, I will release the entire place because of them.27And Abraham responded by saying: "Since now I have begun, I will speak to my Lord, though I am dust and ashes28What if there were five less than fifty of the just? Would you, despite the forty-five, eliminate the entire city?" And he said, "I will not eliminate it, if I find forty-five there.29And again he said to him, "But if forty were found there, what would you do?" He said, "I will not strike, for the sake of the forty.30"I ask you," he said, "not to be angry, Lord, if I speak. What if thirty were found there?" He responded, "I will not act, if I find thirty there.31"Since now I have begun," he said, "I will speak to my Lord. What if twenty were found there?" He said, "I will not put to death, for the sake of the twenty.32"I beg you," he said, "not to be angry, Lord, if I speak yet once more. What if ten were found there?" And he said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.33And the Lord departed, after he had ceased speaking to Abraham, who then returned to his place
Matthew
18Then Jesus, seeing the great crowds encircling him, gave orders to go across the sea19And one scribe, approaching, said to him, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you will go.20And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have dens, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man has nowhere to rest his head.21Then another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.22But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and allow the dead to bury their dead.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons on justice, compassion, and discipleship. The first reading from Genesis 18:16-33 presents Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah, negotiating with God to spare the cities if there are righteous people. This highlights Abraham's deep compassion and his unique relationship with God, emphasizing the balance between justice and mercy. The context is set amidst the sinfulness of Sodom, where God contemplates destruction, and Abraham's plea underscores the importance of advocating for justice tempered with mercy.
The Gospel reading, Matthew 8:18-22, shifts focus to Jesus teaching on discipleship. Jesus is approached by a scribe eager to follow him anywhere and a disciple requesting to bury his father first. Jesus' responses emphasize the radical commitment required to follow him, prioritizing spiritual duties over worldly concerns. This teaches us about the absolute dedication needed to be a disciple of Christ, without letting life's distractions hinder our faith journey.
Both readings connect through themes of justice, compassion, and commitment. Abraham's negotiation exemplifies standing up for justice with mercy, while Jesus' teachings highlight the necessity of unwavering dedication to faith. In daily life, we are called to balance justice with compassion and commit fully to our spiritual path. The moral lesson is clear: live with justice, show compassion, and embrace the radical commitment of discipleship, trusting in God's plan and prioritizing our spiritual journey above all else.