Daily Readings - Wed Jun 25 2025
Genesis
1After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward. "2But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"3And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir."4Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir."5He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars-if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be."6Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.7He also said to him, "I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to take possession of it."8But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, how can I know that I will gain possession of it?"9So the LORD said to him, "Bring me a heifer, a goat and a ram, each three years old, along with a dove and a young pigeon."10Abram brought all these to him, cut them in two and arranged the halves opposite each other; the birds, however, he did not cut in half.11Then birds of prey came down on the carcasses, but Abram drove them away.12As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and a thick and dreadful darkness came over him.17When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces.18On that day the LORD made a covenant with Abram and said, "To your descendants I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates-
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
In today’s readings, we encounter two profound moments of faith and discernment. The first reading from Genesis describes God’s covenant with Abram, where Abram, despite uncertainty and the challenges of his circumstances, places his trust in God’s promises. This passage underscores the deep faith Abram has in God’s plan, even when the future seems unclear. The second reading from Matthew’s Gospel offers a cautionary message about false prophets, urging us to discern their true nature by the fruits they bear. Jesus reminds us that the authenticity of a person’s faith is revealed through their actions and the integrity of their lives.
The connection between these readings lies in their emphasis on trust and discernment. Abram’s story shows us how to trust in God’s promises, even when they seem impossible. Jesus, in turn, teaches us to discern the authenticity of those who claim to follow God. Just as Abram relied on God’s faithfulness, we too must rely on God’s wisdom to guide us in recognizing true followers of Christ. This discernment is not about judging others but about seeking the fruits of the Spirit—love, kindness, and humility—in ourselves and others.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Do we trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when the path ahead is uncertain? Are we bearing fruit that reflects the love and grace of God? May we strive to live with the faith of Abram and the discernment taught by Jesus, so that our lives may be a testament to God’s presence in the world.