Daily Readings - Mon Jun 08 2020
1 Kings
1And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.2And the word of the LORD came unto him, saying,3Get thee hence, and turn thee eastward, and hide thyself by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.4And it shall be, that thou shalt drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed thee there.5So he went and did according unto the word of the LORD: for he went and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before Jordan.6And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and he drank of the brook.
Matthew
1And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:2And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,3Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.7Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.10Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.12Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, humility, and the transformative power of faith. The first reading from 1 Kings tells the story of Elijah, a prophet called by God to announce a time of drought and famine as a judgment on Israel’s unfaithfulness. Yet, even in the midst of this desolation, God provides for Elijah in a remarkable way, instructing him to hide by the torrent Cherith, where ravens bring him food each day. This passage reminds us that even when we face uncertainty or hardship, God’s providence is always at work, guiding and sustaining us in ways we may not fully understand.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, where he proclaims the Beatitudes. These blessings challenge our conventional notions of happiness and success. Jesus teaches that true blessedness belongs to those who are poor in spirit, meek, merciful, and pure of heart. These qualities are not about external achievements but about an inner disposition of humility, compassion, and a deep longing for God’s justice. The Beatitudes call us to live in a way that reflects the kingdom of heaven, even as we navigate the trials and struggles of this world.
Both readings invite us to trust in God’s plan and to live with humility and faith. Elijah’s story shows us that even in times of scarcity and uncertainty, God’s care for us is unwavering. The Beatitudes remind us that true fulfillment comes not from worldly power or comfort but from living in harmony with God’s will. As we go about our daily lives, let us strive to cultivate the virtues Jesus praises—meekness, mercy, and a pure heart. May we learn to trust in God’s providence, even when the path ahead seems unclear, and may we find joy in living as children of the kingdom, where love and peace reign supreme.