Daily Readings - Fri Jun 16 2017

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 4.7-15

⁷But we hold this treasure in earthen vessels, so that what is sublime may be of the power of God, and not of us⁸In all things, we endure tribulation, yet we are not in anguish. We are constrained, yet we are not destitute⁹We suffer persecution, yet we have not been abandoned. We are thrown down, yet we do not perish¹⁰We ever carry around the mortification of Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies¹¹For we who live are ever handed over unto death for the sake of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our mortal flesh¹²Therefore, death is at work in us, and life is at work in you¹³But we have the same Spirit of faith. And just as it is written, "I believed, and for that reason I spoke," so we also believe, and for that reason, we also speak¹⁴For we know that the One who raised up Jesus will raise us up also with Jesus and will place us with you¹⁵Thus, all is for you, so that grace, abounding through many in thanksgiving, may abound to the glory of God

Gospel - Matthew 5.27-32

Matthew

Chapter 5

²⁷You have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not commit adultery.²⁸But I say to you, that anyone who will have looked at a woman, so as to lust after her, has already committed adultery with her in his heart²⁹And if your right eye causes you to sin, root it out and cast it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members perish, than that your whole body be cast into Hell³⁰And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it away from you. For it is better for you that one of your members perish, than that your whole body go into Hell³¹And it has been said: ‘Whoever would dismiss his wife, let him give her a bill of divorce.³²But I say to you, that anyone who will have dismissed his wife, except in the case of fornication, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever will have married her who has been dismissed commits adultery

Sermon

In today's readings, we reflect on two profound teachings from Scripture that guide us in our Christian journey. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our human frailty is where God's power shines through. Paul emphasizes enduring trials with faith, trusting that our sufferings allow Christ's life to manifest in us. This passage is part of his discussion on ministry, highlighting the transformative power of faith amidst adversity. The Gospel from Matthew challenges us to consider the depth of God's law. Jesus expands the commandment against adultery to include the intentions of our hearts, urging us to address sin radically, even if it means sacrificing our desires. This teaching from the Sermon on the Mount calls us to purity beyond outward actions, focusing on the integrity of our thoughts and intentions. Both readings converge on the theme of internal transformation and reliance on God's power. They remind us that our response to trials and sin is not just about outward actions but about the state of our hearts. In daily life, this means facing challenges with faith and examining our thoughts and intentions to live with purity. Let us trust in God's power through trials and strive for a life of integrity, allowing His light to shine through our frailty.