Daily Readings - Tue Jun 25 2019
Genesis
2And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.5And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.6And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.7And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.8And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.9Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.10And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.11Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.12Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.13But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.14And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:15For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.16And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.17Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.18Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
Matthew
6Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.12Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.13Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:14Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Abram and Lot, who, because of their wealth and the tension between their shepherds, decide to part ways. Abram, with remarkable generosity and trust in God, allows Lot to choose the more fertile land for himself. Despite Lot’s choice of the Jordan Valley, which seems like a paradise, Abram remains faithful, and God reiterates His promise to Abram, assuring him that the entire land will belong to his descendants. This reading highlights Abram’s selflessness, trust in God’s providence, and the importance of avoiding conflict by prioritizing harmony.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus teaching about the narrow gate and the difficulty of following the path that leads to eternal life. Jesus warns that not everyone will find this path, as it requires living according to God’s will and treating sacred things with reverence. He also reminds us of the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” This teaching emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous life, making wise choices, and being mindful of how we treat others and the gifts we’ve been given.
Both readings invite us to reflect on our choices and priorities in life. Abram’s decision to let go of material wealth for the sake of peace and trust in God’s plan teaches us about selflessness and faith. Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate reminds us that living a life of virtue and love requires effort and discernment. In our daily lives, we are constantly faced with choices: between selfishness and generosity, between ease and virtue, between short-term gains and long-term faithfulness. Let us strive to follow Abram’s example of trust and selflessness, and to walk the narrow path that leads to life, guided by the wisdom of the Gospel. May we always remember that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in our relationship with God and our commitment to living according to His will.