Daily Readings - Tue Jun 13 2023
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 are reminded of the profound truths about God's faithfulness and our role as believers in the world. The second reading from 2 Corinthians emphasizes God's reliability, assuring us that His promises are always affirmed through Jesus Christ. This passage addresses concerns about human inconsistency, highlighting that while we may falter, God remains steadfast. The Gospel from Matthew uses the metaphors of salt and light to illustrate our mission as disciples. Jesus teaches that just as salt must retain its essence to be effective, and light must shine brightly to illuminate, we too must live our faith authentically and visibly.
The context of these readings sheds light on their deeper meanings. In Corinthians, Paul addresses his own reliability, reassuring his audience of God's unwavering faithfulness despite any human shortcomings. In Matthew, Jesus' teachings during the Sermon on the Mount use everyday elements to convey the transformative impact believers should have. Both readings intertwine themes of trust in God and the active role of believers, encouraging us to rely on His promises and to influence the world around us.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embody faithfulness and visibility. Just as salt seasons and preserves, our actions should bring positive change. Like light, our faith should illuminate our surroundings, guiding others towards God. This means living with integrity, compassion, and courage in our communities, workplaces, and homes. The moral lesson here is trust in God's faithfulness and living out our faith boldly. We are called to be agents of hope and change, reflecting God's love and truth in all we do.