Daily Readings - Tue Jun 13 2023
2 Corinthians
18But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.20For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.21Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;22Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
Matthew
13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the profound truths about God's faithfulness and our role as believers in the world. The second reading from 2 Corinthians emphasizes God's reliability, assuring us that His promises are always affirmed through Jesus Christ. This passage addresses concerns about human inconsistency, highlighting that while we may falter, God remains steadfast. The Gospel from Matthew uses the metaphors of salt and light to illustrate our mission as disciples. Jesus teaches that just as salt must retain its essence to be effective, and light must shine brightly to illuminate, we too must live our faith authentically and visibly.
The context of these readings sheds light on their deeper meanings. In Corinthians, Paul addresses his own reliability, reassuring his audience of God's unwavering faithfulness despite any human shortcomings. In Matthew, Jesus' teachings during the Sermon on the Mount use everyday elements to convey the transformative impact believers should have. Both readings intertwine themes of trust in God and the active role of believers, encouraging us to rely on His promises and to influence the world around us.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embody faithfulness and visibility. Just as salt seasons and preserves, our actions should bring positive change. Like light, our faith should illuminate our surroundings, guiding others towards God. This means living with integrity, compassion, and courage in our communities, workplaces, and homes. The moral lesson here is trust in God's faithfulness and living out our faith boldly. We are called to be agents of hope and change, reflecting God's love and truth in all we do.