Daily Readings - Mon Jun 30 2025
Genesis
16When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way.17Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?18Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.19For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just, so that the LORD will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him."20Then the LORD said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous21that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know."22The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.23Then Abraham approached him and said: "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?24What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it?25Far be it from you to do such a thing-to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?"26The LORD said, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake."27Then Abraham spoke up again: "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes,28what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? Will you destroy the whole city because of five people?If I find forty-five there," he said, "I will not destroy it."29Once again he spoke to him, "What if only forty are found there?" He said, "For the sake of forty, I will not do it."30Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak. What if only thirty can be found there?" He answered, "I will not do it if I find thirty there."31Abraham said, "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, what if only twenty can be found there?" He said, "For the sake of twenty, I will not destroy it."32Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."33When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home.
Matthew
18When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake.19Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."20Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."21Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father."22But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons on justice, compassion, and discipleship. The first reading from Genesis 18:16-33 presents Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah, negotiating with God to spare the cities if there are righteous people. This highlights Abraham's deep compassion and his unique relationship with God, emphasizing the balance between justice and mercy. The context is set amidst the sinfulness of Sodom, where God contemplates destruction, and Abraham's plea underscores the importance of advocating for justice tempered with mercy.
The Gospel reading, Matthew 8:18-22, shifts focus to Jesus teaching on discipleship. Jesus is approached by a scribe eager to follow him anywhere and a disciple requesting to bury his father first. Jesus' responses emphasize the radical commitment required to follow him, prioritizing spiritual duties over worldly concerns. This teaches us about the absolute dedication needed to be a disciple of Christ, without letting life's distractions hinder our faith journey.
Both readings connect through themes of justice, compassion, and commitment. Abraham's negotiation exemplifies standing up for justice with mercy, while Jesus' teachings highlight the necessity of unwavering dedication to faith. In daily life, we are called to balance justice with compassion and commit fully to our spiritual path. The moral lesson is clear: live with justice, show compassion, and embrace the radical commitment of discipleship, trusting in God's plan and prioritizing our spiritual journey above all else.