Daily Readings - Tue Jun 12 2018
1 Kings
7Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.8Then the word of the LORD came to him:9"Go at once to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have commanded a widow in that place to supply you with food."10So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?"11As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please, a piece of bread."12"As surely as the LORD your God lives," she replied, "I don't have any bread-only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it-and die."13Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son.14For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.'"15She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.16For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
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 encounter two powerful narratives that invite us to reflect on trust, faith, and our role in the world. The first reading from 1 Kings tells the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. During a severe drought, Elijah, guided by God, seeks refuge with a widow who is on the brink of starvation. Despite her own desperation, she shares her last morsel of food with Elijah, trusting in God's promise. Miraculously, her flour and oil never run out, illustrating God's providence and the rewards of faith.
The Gospel reading from Matthew presents Jesus teaching His disciples about their identity and mission. He describes them as the salt of the earth and the light of the world, emphasizing the need for their faith to be visible and transformative. Just as salt enhances flavor and light illuminates darkness, believers are called to positively impact their surroundings through their actions and character.
These readings connect through themes of trust and active faith. Elijah and the widow exemplify trust in God's providence, even in hardship, while Jesus calls His followers to live out their faith boldly. In our daily lives, we are challenged to trust God, even when circumstances seem dire, and to be the salt and light in our communities. May we embrace this call, trusting in God's provision and striving to make a positive impact, glorifying Him through our actions.