FIRST
READING: 1
Kings 17: 7 - 16
7
After a while, the brook dried up because no rain had fallen in the
land.
8
Then Yahweh spoke to Elijah,
9
"Go to Zarephath of the Sidonites and stay there. I have given
word to a widow there to give you food."
10
So Elijah went to Zarephath. On reaching the gate of the town, he saw
a widow gathering sticks. He called to her and said, "Bring me a
little water in a vessel that I may drink."
11
As she was going to bring it, he called after her and said, "Bring
me also a piece of bread."
12
But she answered, "As Yahweh your God lives, I have no bread
left but only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug.
I am just now gathering some sticks so that I may go in and prepare
something for myself and my son to eat - and die."
13
Elijah then said to her, "Do not be afraid. Go and do as you
have said, but first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me;
then make some for yourself and your son.
14
For this is the word of Yahweh, the God of Israel, 'The jar of meal
shall not be emptied nor shall the jug of oil fail, until the day
when Yahweh sends rain to the earth."
15
So she went and did as Elijah told her; and she had food for herself,
Elijah and her son from that day on.
16
The jar of flour was not emptied nor did the jug of oil fail, in
accordance with what Yahweh had said through Elijah.
PSALM:
Psalms 4:
2 - 5, 7 - 8
2
Answer when I call, O God, my justice! When I was in distress, you
gave me solace. Have compassion on me and hear my plea.
3
And you people, how long will you harden your hearts? How long will
you delight in deceit and go in search of falsehood?
4
But you must know that the Lord has shown his kindness to me. When I
call to him, he hears me.
5
Be angry, but don't offend. Keep your words to yourself, when you are
in bed, and be still.
7
Many ask, "Who will give us a happy time? Would that his favor
shine upon us!"
8
You, O Lord, have put joy in my heart; more than by giving me wine
and food.
GOSPEL:
Matthew 5:
13 - 16
13
You are the salt of the earth. But if salt has lost its strength, how
can it be made salty again? It has become useless. It can only be
thrown away and people will trample on it.
14
You are the light of the world. A city built on a mountain cannot be
hidden.
15
No one lights a lamp and covers it; instead it is put on a lampstand,
where it gives light to everyone in the house.
16
In the same way your light must shine before others, so that they may
see the good you do and praise your Father in heaven.
