Daily Readings - Fri Jun 22 2018
2 Kings
1When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family.2But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed.3He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.4In the seventh year Jehoiada sent for the commanders of units of a hundred, the Carites and the guards and had them brought to him at the temple of the LORD. He made a covenant with them and put them under oath at the temple of the LORD. Then he showed them the king's son.9The commanders of units of a hundred did just as Jehoiada the priest ordered. Each one took his men-those who were going on duty on the Sabbath and those who were going off duty-and came to Jehoiada the priest.10Then he gave the commanders the spears and shields that had belonged to King David and that were in the temple of the LORD.11The guards, each with his weapon in his hand, stationed themselves around the king-near the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple.12Jehoiada brought out the king's son and put the crown on him; he presented him with a copy of the covenant and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!"13When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people, she went to the people at the temple of the LORD.14She looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, "Treason! Treason!"15Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of units of a hundred, who were in charge of the troops: "Bring her out between the ranks and put to the sword anyone who follows her." For the priest had said, "She must not be put to death in the temple of the LORD."16So they seized her as she reached the place where the horses enter the palace grounds, and there she was put to death.17Jehoiada then made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people that they would be the LORD's people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people.18All the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. Then Jehoiada the priest posted guards at the temple of the LORD.20and all the people of the land rejoiced. And the city was quiet, because Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the palace.
Matthew
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful stories that remind us of the enduring struggle between light and darkness, and the call to place our ultimate trust in God. The first reading from 2 Kings tells the story of Athaliah, a queen who sought to destroy the royal lineage to secure her own power. However, her evil plans were thwarted by the courage and faith of Jehosheba, who hid the young king Jehoash and later ensured his rightful place on the throne. This story highlights the triumph of God’s plan over human wickedness and the importance of standing firm in faith even in the face of great adversity.
The Gospel reading from Matthew shifts our focus to the spiritual realm, as Jesus warns us about the dangers of earthly treasures and the corruption that can come from an impure heart. He reminds us that our true treasure should be in heaven, where it cannot be destroyed or stolen. Jesus also uses the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body, teaching us that our spiritual vision determines the state of our soul. If our hearts are pure and our intentions are upright, we will be filled with light and guidance. But if our hearts are corrupted by greed, selfishness, or sin, we risk living in spiritual darkness.
These readings invite us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make. Are we like Athaliah, seeking power and control through worldly means, or are we like Jehosheba, trusting in God’s plan and standing up for what is right? Do we prioritize earthly treasures that fade away, or do we store up treasures in heaven by living a life of love, compassion, and integrity? Let us ask for the grace to see the world through the eyes of faith, to seek God’s will above all else, and to live in the light of His truth. In doing so, we will find true peace and fulfillment, both in this life and in the life to come.