Daily Readings - Mon Jun 23 2025
Genesis
1Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you.2And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.3I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."4So Abram went, as the LORD had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.5And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,6Abram passed through the land to the place at Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. At that time the Canaanites were in the land.7Then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, "To your offspring I will give this land." So he built there an altar to the LORD, who had appeared to him.8From there he moved to the hill country on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. And there he built an altar to the LORD and called upon the name of the LORD.9And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb.
Matthew
1"Judge not, that you be not judged.2For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.3Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?4Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye?5You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons from Scripture that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Genesis 12:1-9 tells the story of Abram, who exemplifies unwavering faith and trust in God. Abram is called to leave behind the familiar—his land, family, and home—for a promise of a new land and a great nation. This journey is not just physical but deeply spiritual, as Abram's obedience and trust in God's promise lay the foundation for his faith. When Abram arrives in Canaan, God reaffirms His promise, and Abram responds by building altars, symbolizing his worship and gratitude.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 7:1-5 shifts our focus to Jesus' teachings on humility and self-reflection. Jesus warns against judging others, emphasizing that we will be judged by the same standards we use on others. The metaphor of the splinter and the plank vividly illustrates the need for self-awareness and humility. Jesus encourages us to first examine our own actions and attitudes before attempting to correct others, fostering a spirit of compassion and understanding.
These readings connect through the themes of trust and humility. Abram's trust in God's promise leads him to a life of obedience and worship, while Jesus' teaching calls us to humility in our interactions with others. Together, they remind us to trust in God's plan and to approach others with compassion and self-awareness. As we navigate our daily lives, let us strive to emulate Abram's faith and Jesus' humility, allowing these virtues to guide our relationships and decisions, leading us closer to God and to each other.