Daily Readings - Wed Jun 09 2021
2 Corinthians
4And we have such faith, through Christ, toward God5It is not that we are adequate to think anything of ourselves, as if anything was from us. But our adequacy is from God6And he has made us suitable ministers of the New Testament, not in the letter, but in the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life7But if the ministration of death, engraved with letters upon stones, was in glory, (so much so that the sons of Israel were not able to gaze intently upon the face of Moses, because of the glory of his countenance) even though this ministration was ineffective8how could the ministration of the Spirit not be in greater glory9For if the ministration of condemnation is with glory, so much more is the ministration of justice abundant in glory10And neither was it glorified by means of an excellent glory, though it was made illustrious in its own way11For if even what was temporary has its glory, then what is lasting has an even greater glory
Matthew
17Do not think that I have come to loosen the law or the prophets. I have not come to loosen, but to fulfill18Amen I say to you, certainly, until heaven and earth pass away, not one iota, not one dot shall pass away from the law, until all is done19Therefore, whoever will have loosened one of the least of these commandments, and have taught men so, shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever will have done and taught these, such a one shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven
Sermon
In today’s readings, we explore the transition from the old covenant to the new, and the enduring relevance of God’s law. Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, contrasts the ministry of the Spirit with the old covenant, emphasizing that while the old was glorious, the new covenant in the Spirit is even more so. He reminds us that our adequacy comes from God, not from ourselves, and that the Spirit brings life, whereas the letter alone kills. This message invites us to embrace the vibrant life offered by the Spirit.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He underscores the permanence of the law, stating that not even the smallest part will pass away until all is accomplished. This teaching challenges us to understand the law not as a set of rigid rules, but as a foundation fulfilled through love and grace. Jesus warns against loosening the commandments and promises greatness to those who both practice and teach them.
These readings remind us that our faith is not about legalistic observance but about living in the Spirit. The old covenant, with its written laws, was a stepping stone to the new covenant, where the Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts. As we navigate daily life, let us seek to live in the Spirit, allowing God’s grace to guide us. This means not just following rules, but embodying love, mercy, and grace. May we strive to live in a way that reflects the Spirit, fulfilling the law through our actions and teachings, and thus being great in the kingdom of heaven.