Daily Readings - Wed Jun 27 2018
2 Kings
8Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD." He gave it to Shaphan, who read it.9Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: "Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the LORD and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple."10Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.11When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.12He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant:13"Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us."
1Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.2He went up to the temple of the LORD with the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets-all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD.3The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD -to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.
Matthew
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of staying true to God’s word and being discerning in our faith. In the first reading from 2 Kings, we hear the story of King Josiah, who, upon discovering the book of the law, is moved to tears and repentance. He recognizes the great wrath of the Lord that has fallen upon Israel because the people had neglected the teachings of the book. Josiah takes immediate action, gathering the people and renewing the covenant with God, committing themselves to follow His commandments with all their heart and soul. This passage emphasizes the need for humility, repentance, and a return to God’s word when we realize we have strayed.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns us about false prophets who appear as sheep but are inwardly wolves. He tells us that we will know them by their fruits—good trees bear good fruit, and bad trees bear bad fruit. This teaching calls us to discernment and authenticity in our faith. It is not enough to claim to follow God; our actions must reflect His love and truth. Just as King Josiah acted with urgency to restore the people’s fidelity to God, we too must examine our own lives and ensure that our words and deeds align with the teachings of Christ.
These readings challenge us to live with integrity and authenticity. Let us reflect on our own commitment to God’s word and ask ourselves: Are we bearing fruit that reflects the love and truth of Christ? Do our actions demonstrate a genuine relationship with Him? Let us pray for the grace to remain faithful, to discern what is true, and to live in a way that honors God. May we, like King Josiah, have the courage to turn back to God when we have wandered and to lead others to do the same.