Daily Readings - Mon Jun 14 2021
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 are presented with powerful lessons on how to navigate life’s challenges with faith and grace. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that as ministers of God, we are called to endure hardships with patience and integrity. Paul lists various trials—tribulation, imprisonment, rebellion—and counters them with qualities like chastity, knowledge, and longsuffering. The key is not just enduring but doing so in a way that reflects our holy character. The Gospel from Matthew, part of the Sermon on the Mount, challenges us to rethink our approach to conflict. Jesus teaches us to go beyond non-retaliation, to offer the other cheek, and to give more than what is demanded. This is a call to radical love, breaking the cycle of vengeance and retribution.
The context of these readings is crucial. In Corinthians, Paul addresses a community facing persecution and internal strife, urging them to remain faithful. In Matthew, Jesus challenges traditional notions of justice, shifting from retribution to mercy. Together, these readings present a comprehensive approach to adversity: enduring suffering with grace and responding to evil with love. This dual focus—endurance and love—guides us in our daily struggles, whether personal or interpersonal.
Applying these teachings to our lives, we are encouraged to handle stress and difficult relationships with patience and kindness. By enduring hardships with integrity and responding to challenges with love, we embody Christ’s teachings. The moral lesson is clear: our response to life’s trials should reflect our faith, allowing us to be effective ministers of God’s grace in the world. Through this, we not only navigate life’s challenges but also become beacons of hope and love.