Daily Readings - Tue Jun 27 2023
Genesis
2Abram had become very wealthy in livestock and in silver and gold.5Now Lot, who was moving about with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents.6But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to stay together.7And quarreling arose between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. The Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land at that time.8So Abram said to Lot, "Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are brothers.9Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if you go to the right, I'll go to the left."10Lot looked up and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.)11So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company:12Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom.13Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.14The LORD said to Abram after Lot had parted from him, "Lift up your eyes from where you are and look north and south, east and west.15All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring forever.16I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count the dust, then your offspring could be counted.17Go, walk through the length and breadth of the land, for I am giving it to you."18So Abram moved his tents and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.
Matthew
6"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.13"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.14But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two distinct yet interconnected themes: the challenge of making difficult choices and the call to live a life of faith and discernment. The first reading from Genesis describes the separation of Abram and Lot due to the abundance of their possessions, which leads to tension between their shepherds. Abram, demonstrating remarkable humility and trust in God, allows Lot to choose the land he desires. Lot, enticed by the fertile plains near Sodom, selects what appears to be the more prosperous path, while Abram remains in Canaan, trusting in God’s promise to make his offspring as countless as the dust of the earth. This story reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in faith and trust in God’s providence.
The Gospel reading from Matthew complements this theme by emphasizing the importance of discernment and the narrow path to eternal life. Jesus warns against giving sacred things to those who cannot appreciate them, urging us to live according to the Golden Rule: “Do to others what you would have them do to you.” He then contrasts the wide and easy path that leads to destruction with the narrow and difficult path that leads to life. This teaching challenges us to reflect on our choices and priorities, reminding us that following Christ requires sacrifice and a commitment to living according to His teachings.
Together, these readings invite us to evaluate our own lives and the choices we face. Like Abram, we are called to trust in God’s plan, even when it requires letting go of worldly desires. Like the disciples in the Gospel, we are reminded that the path to true happiness and fulfillment is not always easy but is worth the effort. As we navigate the complexities of daily life, let us strive to live with humility, discernment, and faith, remembering that our ultimate goal is not earthly prosperity but eternal life with God.