Daily Readings - Fri Jun 21 2024
2 Kings
1When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to destroy the whole royal family.2But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Jehoram and sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the royal princes, who were about to be murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah; so he was not killed.3He remained hidden with his nurse at the temple of the LORD for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.4In the seventh year Jehoiada sent for the commanders of units of a hundred, the Carites and the guards and had them brought to him at the temple of the LORD. He made a covenant with them and put them under oath at the temple of the LORD. Then he showed them the king's son.9The commanders of units of a hundred did just as Jehoiada the priest ordered. Each one took his men-those who were going on duty on the Sabbath and those who were going off duty-and came to Jehoiada the priest.10Then he gave the commanders the spears and shields that had belonged to King David and that were in the temple of the LORD.11The guards, each with his weapon in his hand, stationed themselves around the king-near the altar and the temple, from the south side to the north side of the temple.12Jehoiada brought out the king's son and put the crown on him; he presented him with a copy of the covenant and proclaimed him king. They anointed him, and the people clapped their hands and shouted, "Long live the king!"13When Athaliah heard the noise made by the guards and the people, she went to the people at the temple of the LORD.14She looked and there was the king, standing by the pillar, as the custom was. The officers and the trumpeters were beside the king, and all the people of the land were rejoicing and blowing trumpets. Then Athaliah tore her robes and called out, "Treason! Treason!"15Jehoiada the priest ordered the commanders of units of a hundred, who were in charge of the troops: "Bring her out between the ranks and put to the sword anyone who follows her." For the priest had said, "She must not be put to death in the temple of the LORD."16So they seized her as she reached the place where the horses enter the palace grounds, and there she was put to death.17Jehoiada then made a covenant between the LORD and the king and people that they would be the LORD's people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people.18All the people of the land went to the temple of Baal and tore it down. They smashed the altars and idols to pieces and killed Mattan the priest of Baal in front of the altars. Then Jehoiada the priest posted guards at the temple of the LORD.20and all the people of the land rejoiced. And the city was quiet, because Athaliah had been slain with the sword at the palace.
Matthew
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.20But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.22"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.23But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful narratives that guide us toward a deeper understanding of faith and trust in God. The first reading from 2 Kings 11 recounts the story of Athaliah's usurpation of the throne and the courageous intervention of Jehoiada, the priest, who restores the rightful king, Jehoash, to the throne. This story highlights God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His plan, even in the face of adversity. The context is one of political turmoil and spiritual renewal, as the people of Judah are reminded of their covenant with God.
The Gospel from Matthew 6 shifts our focus to Jesus' teachings on treasure and trust. Jesus emphasizes that true security lies not in earthly possessions but in heavenly treasures. He uses the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body, warning that our spiritual vision determines the state of our soul. The context here is the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls His followers to a life of radical trust in God's providence.
Both readings converge on the theme of trust and focus. In 2 Kings, the people must trust in God's plan to restore the monarchy, while in Matthew, Jesus calls us to trust in God's provision and prioritize spiritual wealth. This teaches us to keep our eyes fixed on God, ensuring that our hearts are not consumed by earthly concerns.
In our daily lives, these readings invite us to reflect on where we place our trust. Are we anchored in God's promises, or are we swayed by the uncertainties of the world? The moral lesson is clear: true security and happiness come from God. Let us strive to keep our focus on spiritual growth and trust in His plan, knowing that our hearts will be filled with light when our gaze is fixed on Him.