Daily Readings - Tue Jun 13 2017
2 Corinthians
18But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No."19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes."20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,22set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
Matthew
13"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.14"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.16In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Sermon
In today's readings, we hear powerful messages about faithfulness and influence. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness, as Paul reassures the Corinthian church that despite human frailties, God's promises are always fulfilled in Christ. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching on the mount, using salt and light as metaphors for the transformative role believers should play in the world.
The context of these readings is crucial. Paul, addressing a church facing uncertainties, emphasizes God's reliability, contrasting it with human inconsistency. Jesus, in His sermon, challenges His followers to recognize their impact on society, urging them to maintain their integrity and visibility. Both readings highlight the importance of trustworthiness and influence, linking the internal faith of believers to their external impact.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to embody our faith authentically. Just as salt must retain its flavor to season and preserve, and light must shine brightly to guide, we must stay true to our beliefs and actively share God's message. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith should not be hidden but should inspire and transform those around us. Let us strive to be faithful and influential, reflecting God's love in all we do.