Daily Readings - Tue Jun 25 2019
Genesis
2Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.5And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents,6so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together,7and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.8Then Abram said to Lot, "Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen.9Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left."10And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)11So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other.12Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom.13Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against the LORD.14The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, "Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward,15for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever.16I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted.17Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you."18So Abram moved his tent and came and settled by the oaks of Mamre, which are at Hebron, and there he built an altar to the LORD.
Matthew
6"Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.12"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.13"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Abram and Lot, who, because of their wealth and the tension between their shepherds, decide to part ways. Abram, with remarkable generosity and trust in God, allows Lot to choose the more fertile land for himself. Despite Lot’s choice of the Jordan Valley, which seems like a paradise, Abram remains faithful, and God reiterates His promise to Abram, assuring him that the entire land will belong to his descendants. This reading highlights Abram’s selflessness, trust in God’s providence, and the importance of avoiding conflict by prioritizing harmony.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus teaching about the narrow gate and the difficulty of following the path that leads to eternal life. Jesus warns that not everyone will find this path, as it requires living according to God’s will and treating sacred things with reverence. He also reminds us of the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” This teaching emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life, making wise choices, and being mindful of how we treat others and the gifts we’ve been given.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our choices and priorities in life. Abram’s decision to let go of material wealth for the sake of peace and trust in God’s plan teaches us about selflessness and faith. Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate reminds us that living a life of virtue and love requires effort and discernment. In our daily lives, we are constantly faced with choices: between selfishness and generosity, between ease and virtue, between short-term gains and long-term faithfulness. Let us strive to follow Abram’s example of trust and selflessness, and to walk the narrow path that leads to life, guided by the wisdom of the Gospel. May we always remember that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in our relationship with God and our commitment to living according to His will.