Daily Readings - Mon Jun 08 2020
1 Kings
1Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."2And the word of the LORD came to him,3"Depart from here and turn eastward and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan.4You shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there."5So he went and did according to the word of the LORD. He went and lived by the brook Cherith that is east of the Jordan.6And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
Matthew
1Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.2And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.5"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.6"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.7"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.8"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.9"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.10"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.12Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, humility, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from 1 Kings tells the story of Elijah, a prophet called by God to announce a time of drought and famine as a judgment on Israel’s unfaithfulness. Yet, even in the midst of this desolation, God provides for Elijah in a remarkable way, instructing him to hide by the torrent Cherith, where ravens bring him food each day. This passage reminds us that even when we face uncertainty or hardship, God’s providence is always at work, guiding and sustaining us in ways we may not fully understand.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he proclaims the Beatitudes. These blessings challenge our conventional notions of happiness and success. Jesus teaches that true blessedness belongs to those who are poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and pure of heart. These qualities are not about external achievements but about an inner disposition of humility, compassion, and a deep longing for God’s justice. The Beatitudes call us to live in a way that reflects the kingdom of heaven, even as we navigate the trials and struggles of this world.
Both readings invite us to trust in God’s plan and to live with humility and faith. Elijah’s story shows us that even in times of scarcity and uncertainty, God’s care for us is unwavering. The Beatitudes remind us that true fulfillment comes not from worldly power or comfort but from living in harmony with God’s will. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to cultivate the virtues Jesus praises—meekness, mercy, and a pure heart. May we learn to trust in God’s providence, even when the path ahead seems unclear, and may we find joy in living as children of the kingdom, where love and peace reign supreme.