Daily Readings - Mon Jun 10 2024
1 Kings
1Now Elijah the Tishbite, from Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word."2Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah:3"Leave here, turn eastward and hide in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan.4You will drink from the brook, and I have ordered the ravens to feed you there."5So he did what the LORD had told him. He went to the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan, and stayed there.6The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook.
Matthew
1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,2and he began to teach them saying:3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound lessons of faith and virtue. The first reading from 1 Kings 17:1-6 introduces Elijah, a prophet who, during a time of drought and confrontation with King Ahab, trusts God's providence. God instructs Elijah to go to the Cherith torrent, where ravens miraculously provide for him. This story highlights Elijah's obedience and God's faithfulness, even in adversity.
The Gospel from Matthew 5:1-12 presents Jesus' Beatitudes, a cornerstone of His teachings. These blessings outline the characteristics of those who are favored in the Kingdom of God: the poor in spirit, the meek, the mournful, those hungering for justice, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted. These Beatitudes challenge us to embrace humility, compassion, and righteousness, promising divine comfort and reward.
Both readings converge on themes of trust and virtuous living. Elijah's story illustrates trusting God amidst hardship, while the Beatitudes call us to embody virtues that reflect God's love. In our daily lives, we are encouraged to trust God's providence and strive to live according to the Beatitudes. This means embracing humility, seeking justice, and showing mercy, even when it's challenging. The moral lesson is clear: faith and virtue lead to spiritual fulfillment and closeness to God. By trusting Him and living His teachings, we find strength and grace to navigate life's trials.