Daily Readings - Wed Jun 26 2024
2 Kings
8Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD." He gave it to Shaphan, who read it.9Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: "Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the LORD and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple."10Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.11When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.12He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant:13"Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us."
1Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.2He went up to the temple of the LORD with the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets-all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD.3The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD -to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.
Matthew
15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
Sermon
The readings today remind us of the importance of remaining true to God’s word and the transformative power it holds in our lives. In the first reading from 2 Kings, we see King Josiah’s response to the discovery of the Book of the Law. After hearing the words of the covenant, Josiah tears his garments in repentance and leads his people in renewing their commitment to the Lord. This moment of humility and leadership highlights the urgency of returning to God when we drift away from His teachings. The reading also emphasizes the role of leaders and individuals alike in seeking God’s will and taking action to align their lives with His commandments.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns us about false prophets who appear harmless but lead others astray. He teaches us to discern their true nature by their fruits—their actions and the consequences of their words. This is a call to spiritual vigilance and authenticity. Just as a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, a true follower of God will produce works that reflect His love and truth. Jesus invites us to examine our own lives and the influences around us, ensuring that we remain rooted in His teachings and bear fruit that glorifies Him.
Both readings challenge us to live with integrity and faithfulness. Like King Josiah, we are called to humble ourselves before God’s word and allow it to shape our decisions and actions. Like Jesus’ warning, we must be mindful of the voices we follow and the example we set for others. In a world filled with distractions and false promises, let us turn to God’s word as our guiding light. May we produce fruits of love, justice, and mercy, and may our lives reflect the transformative power of His covenant.