Daily Readings - Fri Jun 14 2024
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 profound lessons on encountering God and the importance of inner purity. The first reading from 1 Kings describes Elijah's experience in a cave, where he finds God not in the dramatic wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle breeze. This moment teaches us that God's presence is often found in stillness, requiring us to quiet our minds and hearts. Elijah, feeling isolated and persecuted, learns that God's voice is subtle yet powerful, urging him to trust and continue his mission.
The Gospel from Matthew shifts our focus to Jesus's teachings on adultery and the deeper implications of our thoughts and desires. Jesus emphasizes that sin begins in the heart, highlighting the need for self-awareness and control over our inner lives. This teaching challenges us to move beyond outward actions and consider the intentions that drive them, aligning our thoughts with God's will.
Both readings guide us toward interior transformation. Elijah's encounter reminds us to seek God in stillness, while Jesus's teaching calls us to guard our hearts against sin. In our daily lives, this means creating space for reflection and mindfulness, ensuring our desires and thoughts lead us closer to God. The moral lesson here is clear: our spiritual journey is not about external achievements but the condition of our hearts. Let us embrace the stillness, letting go of what leads us astray, and foster a deeper, authentic relationship with God.