Daily Readings for June 7, 2016

1ST READING

 

 

The woman from Zarephath generously feeds the prophet Elijah. Her generosity is rewarded with a miracle. She did not run out of food during the drought. The Scriptures have many examples of blessings coming to those who are generous. God rewards a cheerful giver. Let us be generous in offering our lives and resources to the service of the Gospel.

 

1 Kings 17:7-16

7 The brook near where Elijah was hiding ran dry, because no rain had fallen in the land. 8 So the Lord said to Elijah: 9 “Move on to Zarephath of Sidon and stay there. I have designated a widow there to provide for you.” 10 He left and went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the entrance of the city, a widow was gathering sticks there; he called out to her, “Please bring me a small cupful of water to drink.” 11 She left to get it, and he called out after her, “Please bring along a bit of bread.” 12 She answered, “As the Lord, your God, lives, I have nothing baked; there is only a handful of flour in my jar and a little oil in my jug. Just now I was collecting a couple of sticks, to go in and prepare something for myself and my son; when we have eaten it, we shall die.” 13 Elijah said to her, “Do not be afraid. Go and do as you propose. But first make me a little cake and bring it to me. Then you can prepare something for yourself and your son. 14 For the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘The jar of flour shall not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, until the day when the Lord sends rain upon the earth.’” 15 She left and did as Elijah had said. She was able to eat for a year, and Elijah and her son as well; 16 the jar of flour did not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry, as the Lord had foretold through Elijah.

 

P S A L M

 

Psalm 4:2-3, 4-5, 7-8

R: Lord, let your face shine on us.

1 [2] When I call, answer me, O my just God, you who relieve me when I am in distress; Have pity on me, and hear my prayer! 2 [3] Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart? Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood? (R) 3 [4] Know that the Lord does wonders for his faithful one; the Lord will hear me when I call upon him. 4 [5]Tremble, and sin not; reflect, upon your beds, in silence. (R) 6 [7] O Lord, let the light of your countenance shine upon us! 7 [8] You put gladness into my heart, more than when grain and wine abound. (R)

GOSPEL

These sayings refer to the nature of the Kingdom of God. Each can be a point of reflection on how the Kingdom of God impacts our lives. Let us do our best to live up to their high ideals and be good witnesses of the gift of salvation we have received.

 

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.

 

Matthew 5:13-16

13 Jesus said to his disciples: “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. 16 Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.