Daily Readings - Wed Jun 26 2019
Genesis
1After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. "2But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"3And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir."4Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir."5He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars-if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."6Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.7He also said to him, "I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it."8But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?"9So the LORD said to him, "Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon."10Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half.11Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.12As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.17When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces.18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates-
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons that guide us in our spiritual journey. The first reading from Genesis recounts God's covenant with Abram, where God promises him land and numerous descendants. Abram's unwavering trust in God, despite the challenges, exemplifies the kind of faith we are called to embrace. This passage reminds us that our trust in God's promises is a cornerstone of our faith, even when the future seems uncertain.
The Gospel from Matthew cautions us against false prophets, urging us to discern their true nature by their actions, or "fruits." Jesus teaches us that just as a tree is known by its fruit, so too are spiritual leaders. This passage emphasizes the importance of discernment in our lives, encouraging us to seek guidance from those who embody goodness and truth.
Together, these readings invite us to reflect on the interplay between faith and discernment. Abram's story shows us that trusting God's plan leads to profound blessings, while Matthew's warning reminds us to remain vigilant in our choices. In our daily lives, we are called to trust in God's promises and to wisely discern the influences around us, ensuring that we follow those who bear the fruits of righteousness. Let us strive to cultivate this faith and discernment, allowing God's light to guide us on our path.