Daily Readings - Tue Jun 13 2023
2 Corinthians
18But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No."19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes."20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God.21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,22set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
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 are reminded of the profound truths about God's faithfulness and our role as believers in the world. The second reading from 2 Corinthians emphasizes God's reliability, assuring us that His promises are always affirmed through Jesus Christ. This passage addresses concerns about human inconsistency, highlighting that while we may falter, God remains steadfast. The Gospel from Matthew uses the metaphors of salt and light to illustrate our mission as disciples. Jesus teaches that just as salt must retain its essence to be effective, and light must shine brightly to illuminate, we too must live our faith authentically and visibly.
The context of these readings sheds light on their deeper meanings. In Corinthians, Paul addresses his own reliability, reassuring his audience of God's unwavering faithfulness despite any human shortcomings. In Matthew, Jesus' teachings during the Sermon on the Mount use everyday elements to convey the transformative impact believers should have. Both readings intertwine themes of trust in God and the active role of believers, encouraging us to rely on His promises and to influence the world around us.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to embody faithfulness and visibility. Just as salt seasons and preserves, our actions should bring positive change. Like light, our faith should illuminate our surroundings, guiding others towards God. This means living with integrity, compassion, and courage in our communities, workplaces, and homes. The moral lesson here is trust in God's faithfulness and living out our faith boldly. We are called to be agents of hope and change, reflecting God's love and truth in all we do.