Daily Readings - Tue Jun 27 2023
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes: the challenge of making difficult choices and the call to live a life of faith and discernment. The first reading from Genesis describes the separation of Abram and Lot due to the abundance of their possessions, which leads to tension between their shepherds. Abram, demonstrating remarkable humility and trust in God, allows Lot to choose the land he desires. Lot, enticed by the fertile plains near Sodom, selects what appears to be the more prosperous path, while Abram remains in Canaan, trusting in God’s promise to make his offspring as countless as the dust of the earth. This story reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in faith and trust in God’s providence.
The Gospel reading from Matthew complements this theme by emphasizing the importance of discernment and the narrow path to eternal life. Jesus warns against giving sacred things to those who cannot appreciate them, urging us to live according to the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” He then contrasts the wide and easy path that leads to destruction with the narrow and difficult path that leads to life. This teaching challenges us to reflect on our choices and priorities, reminding us that following Christ requires sacrifice and a commitment to living according to His teachings.
Together, these readings invite us to evaluate our own lives and the choices we face. Like Abram, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it requires letting go of worldly desires. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we are reminded that the path to true happiness and fulfillment is not always easy but is worth the effort. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, let us strive to live with humility, discernment, and faith, remembering that our ultimate goal is not earthly prosperity but eternal life with God.