Daily Readings - Tue Jun 07 2022
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
The first reading from 1 Kings tells the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. During a time of severe drought, Elijah is sent by God to this widow, who is on the brink of starvation along with her son. Though she has only a small amount of flour and oil left, Elijah assures her that if she shares what little she has, God will provide for her needs. Trusting in Elijah’s words, she bakes bread for him first, and miraculously, her supplies never run out. This story highlights God’s providence and the importance of faith and generosity, even in the face of scarcity.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us that we are called to be “salt of the earth” and “light of the world.” Just as salt enhances flavor and light illuminates darkness, our lives should have a transformative impact on the world around us. Jesus warns that if we fail to live out our faith authentically, we risk losing our purpose. He encourages us to let our “light shine before others” so that they may see our good works and glorify God. This teaching reminds us that our faith is not meant to be hidden but lived out boldly and visibly.
Both readings invite us to reflect on how we trust in God’s providence and live out our faith in a way that makes a difference. Like the widow, we are called to trust God even when resources seem scarce and to share what we have with others. Like salt and light, we are called to bring flavor and illumination to the world around us through our actions and choices. Let us ask ourselves: Do we trust God enough to step out in faith, even when it feels risky? Are we living in a way that reflects the light of Christ to those around us? May we strive to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts and bold witnesses of His love in our daily lives.