Daily Readings - Tue Jun 27 2017
First Reading - Genesis 13.2, 5-18
Genesis
2But he was very wealthy by the possession of gold and silver5But Lot also, who was with Abram, had flocks of sheep, and cattle, and tents6Neither was the land able to contain them, so that they might dwell together. Indeed, their substance was so great that they could not live in common7And then there also arose a conflict between the shepherds of Abram and of Lot. Now at that time the Canaanite and the Perizzite lived in that land8Therefore, Abram said to Lot: "I ask you, let there be no quarrel between me and you, and between my shepherds and your shepherds. For we are brothers9Behold, the entire land is before your eyes. Withdraw from me, I beg you. If you will go to the left, I will take the right. If you choose the right, I will pass to the left.10And so Lot, lifting up his eyes, saw all the region around the Jordan, which was thoroughly irrigated, before the Lord overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It was like the Paradise of the Lord, and it was like Egypt, approaching toward Zoar11And Lot chose for himself the region around the Jordan, and he withdrew by way of the east. And they were divided, one brother from the other12Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan. In truth, Lot stayed in the towns that were around the Jordan, and he lived in Sodom13But the men of Sodom were very wicked, and they were sinners before the Lord beyond measure14And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot was divided from him: "Lift up your eyes, and gaze out from the place where you are now, to the north and to the meridian, to the east and to the west15All the land that you see, I will give to you, and to your offspring even forever16And I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth. If any man is able to number the dust of the earth, he will be able to number your offspring as well17Arise and walk through the land in its length, and breadth. For I will give it to you.18Therefore, moving his tent, Abram went and dwelt by the steep valley of Mamre, which is in Hebron. And he built an altar there to the Lord
Sermon
The first reading from Genesis tells the story of Abram and Lot, two kindred spirits who find themselves at odds due to the abundance of their possessions. Abram, a man of great faith, and Lot, his nephew, had both acquired significant wealth—so much so that the land could no longer sustain them together. Faced with growing tension between their shepherds, Abram takes the initiative to resolve the conflict. With humility and generosity, he offers Lot the first choice of land, trusting that God will provide for him regardless of the decision. Lot, enticed by the fertile plains of the Jordan, chooses the land that seems most promising, while Abram remains in Canaan. The reading concludes with God reaffirming His promise to Abram, assuring him that his descendants will be as countless as the dust of the earth.
This passage invites us to reflect on the importance of humility, trust, and generosity in our relationships. Abram’s decision to let go of his own interests for the sake of harmony demonstrates a deep trust in God’s providence. He prioritizes peace over possessions, showing us that true wealth lies not in material goods but in our relationship with God. Lot, on the other hand, is drawn to the allure of the world, choosing the land that appears most prosperous. Yet, as we know from later in the story, this choice ultimately leads him into a place of moral corruption. The reading reminds us that our choices have consequences and that trusting in God’s plan, even when it seems uncertain, is the surest path to true fulfillment.
In our daily lives, we often face decisions that require us to choose between personal gain and the greater good. Like Abram, we are called to act with humility and generosity, trusting that God will provide for us. When conflicts arise, we should seek to resolve them with grace and selflessness, rather than allowing selfishness or pride to take hold. Let us remember that our ultimate inheritance is not of this world but is rooted in God’s promises. May we, like Abram, walk in faith, trusting that God will guide us through life’s challenges and lead us to a future filled with hope and blessing.