Daily Readings - Tue Jun 13 2017

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 1.18-22

¹⁸But God is faithful, so our word, which was set before you, was not, in him, both Yes and No¹⁹For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you through us, through myself and Sylvanus and Timothy, was not Yes, and No; but was simply Yes in him²⁰For whatever promises are of God are, in him, Yes. For this reason, too, through him: Amen to God for our glory²¹Now the One who confirms us with you in Christ, and who has anointed us, is God²²And he has sealed us, and he has placed the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts

Gospel - Matthew 5.13-16

Matthew

Chapter 5

¹³You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, with what will it be salted? It is no longer useful at all, except to be cast out and trampled under by men¹⁴You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden¹⁵And they do not light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, so that it may shine to all who are in the house¹⁶So then, let your light shine in the sight of men, so that they may see your good works, and may glorify your Father, who is in heaven

Sermon

In today's readings, we hear powerful messages about faithfulness and influence. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness, as Paul reassures the Corinthian church that despite human frailties, God's promises are always fulfilled in Christ. The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching on the mount, using salt and light as metaphors for the transformative role believers should play in the world. The context of these readings is crucial. Paul, addressing a church facing uncertainties, emphasizes God's reliability, contrasting it with human inconsistency. Jesus, in His sermon, challenges His followers to recognize their impact on society, urging them to maintain their integrity and visibility. Both readings highlight the importance of trustworthiness and influence, linking the internal faith of believers to their external impact. Applying these teachings to our lives, we are called to embody our faith authentically. Just as salt must retain its flavor to season and preserve, and light must shine brightly to guide, we must stay true to our beliefs and actively share God's message. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith should not be hidden but should inspire and transform those around us. Let us strive to be faithful and influential, reflecting God's love in all we do.