Daily Readings - Tue Jun 13 2017
2 Corinthians
18As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No.19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you, Silvanus and Timothy and I, was not Yes and No, but in him it is always Yes.20For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.21And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us,22and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
Matthew
13"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.14"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.16In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
Sermon
In today's readings, we hear powerful messages about faithfulness and influence. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness, as Paul reassures the Corinthian church that despite human frailties, God's promises are always fulfilled in Christ. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching on the mount, using salt and light as metaphors for the transformative role believers should play in the world.
The context of these readings is crucial. Paul, addressing a church facing uncertainties, emphasizes God's reliability, contrasting it with human inconsistency. Jesus, in His sermon, challenges His followers to recognize their impact on society, urging them to maintain their integrity and visibility. Both readings highlight the importance of trustworthiness and influence, linking the internal faith of believers to their external impact.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to embody our faith authentically. Just as salt must retain its flavor to season and preserve, and light must shine brightly to guide, we must stay true to our beliefs and actively share God's message. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith should not be hidden but should inspire and transform those around us. Let us strive to be faithful and influential, reflecting God's love in all we do.