Daily Readings - Mon Jun 17 2019
2 Corinthians
1But, as a help to you, we exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain2For he says: "In a favorable time, I heeded you; and on the day of salvation, I helped you." Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation3May we never give offense to anyone, so that our ministry may not be disparaged4But in all things, let us exhibit ourselves as ministers of God with great patience: through tribulation, difficulties, and distress5despite wounds, imprisonment, and rebellion; with hard work, vigilance, and fasting6by chastity, knowledge, and longsuffering; in pleasantness, in the Holy Spirit, and in unfeigned charity7with the Word of truth, with the power of God, and with the armor of justice to the right and to the left8through honor and dishonor, despite good reports and bad, whether seen as deceivers or truth-tellers, whether ignored or acknowledged9as if dying and yet truly alive; as if chastised and yet not subdued10as if sorrowful and yet always rejoicing; as if needy and yet enriching many; as if having nothing and possessing everything
Matthew
38You have heard that it was said: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.39But I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone will have struck you on your right cheek, offer to him the other also40And anyone who wishes to contend with you in judgment, and to take away your tunic, release to him your cloak also41And whoever will have compelled you for one thousand steps, go with him even for two thousand steps42Whoever asks of you, give to him. And if anyone would borrow from you, do not turn away from him
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound teachings from both St. Paul and Jesus, guiding us on how to navigate life's challenges with grace and faith. The first reading from 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 highlights St. Paul's endurance and commitment to ministry despite numerous trials. He emphasizes the importance of patience, kindness, and trust in God's providence, even in the face of adversity. This passage reminds us that our faith is not about avoiding hardships but about persevering through them with unwavering dedication.
In the Gospel from Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus expands on the theme of enduring hardship by teaching us to respond to evil with love and generosity. He challenges us to go beyond the law of retaliation, instead advocating for non-retaliation and selfless giving. This teaching invites us to embrace a higher moral standard, one that reflects God's love and transforms situations through kindness and compassion.
Both readings converge on the theme of responding to challenges with grace. St. Paul shows us how to endure suffering with faith, while Jesus teaches us to respond to evil with love. In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by choosing patience over frustration and generosity over selfishness. By trusting in God's providence and reflecting His love, we can transform our trials into opportunities for growth and witness. Let us strive to live out these teachings, allowing God's grace to guide our actions and decisions, thereby becoming beacons of His love in a world often marked by conflict and division.