Daily Readings - Fri Jun 10 2022
1 Kings
9There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"11And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.13And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"14He said, "I have been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away."15And the LORD said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.16And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.
Matthew
27"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'28But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.29If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.31"It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.'32But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound moments of divine communication, each offering insights into God's nature and our response to Him. In the first reading from 1 Kings, Elijah, fleeing persecution, finds himself in a cave on Mount Horeb. Here, he experiences God not in the dramatic wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle breeze. This moment underscores God's presence in stillness, reminding us that His voice is often heard in quiet contemplation rather than turmoil. Elijah, feeling isolated, is reassured by God's command to anoint new leaders, a testament to God's ongoing plan and presence beyond Elijah's solitude.
In the Gospel, Matthew 5, Jesus teaches on the gravity of sin, particularly adultery and divorce. He emphasizes that sin begins in the heart, with even a lustful glance being equivalent to adultery. Jesus' teachings stress the importance of moral integrity, urging radical measures to avoid sin and highlighting the sanctity of marriage. His words challenge us to examine our thoughts and actions, seeking purity of heart and fidelity in our commitments.
Both readings invite us to listen to God's voice—Elijah in the stillness and Jesus in His teachings. They remind us that God speaks in unexpected ways, guiding us towards righteousness. As we navigate our lives, we are called to cultivate a deep interior life, attuned to God's whispers, and to uphold moral integrity, recognizing that our thoughts and actions have spiritual consequences. Let us seek God in the quiet moments and strive for purity of heart, trusting in His guidance and grace.