Daily Readings - Tue Jun 27 2023
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes: the challenge of making difficult choices and the call to live a life of faith and discernment. The first reading from Genesis describes the separation of Abram and Lot due to the abundance of their possessions, which leads to tension between their shepherds. Abram, demonstrating remarkable humility and trust in God, allows Lot to choose the land he desires. Lot, enticed by the fertile plains near Sodom, selects what appears to be the more prosperous path, while Abram remains in Canaan, trusting in God’s promise to make his offspring as countless as the dust of the earth. This story reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in faith and trust in God’s providence.
The Gospel reading from Matthew complements this theme by emphasizing the importance of discernment and the narrow path to eternal life. Jesus warns against giving sacred things to those who cannot appreciate them, urging us to live according to the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” He then contrasts the wide and easy path that leads to destruction with the narrow and difficult path that leads to life. This teaching challenges us to reflect on our choices and priorities, reminding us that following Christ requires sacrifice and a commitment to living according to His teachings.
Together, these readings invite us to evaluate our own lives and the choices we face. Like Abram, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it requires letting go of worldly desires. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we are reminded that the path to true happiness and fulfillment is not always easy but is worth the effort. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, let us strive to live with humility, discernment, and faith, remembering that our ultimate goal is not earthly prosperity but eternal life with God.