Daily Readings - Tue Jun 15 2021
2 Corinthians
1And so we are making known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given in the churches of Macedonia2For within a great experience of tribulation, they have had an abundance of joy, and their profound poverty has only increased the richness of their simplicity3And I bear witness to them, that they were willing to accept what was in accord with their ability, and even what was beyond their ability4For they were begging us, with great exhortation, for the grace and the communication of the ministry that is with the saints5And this is beyond what we had hoped, since they gave themselves, first of all to the Lord, and then also to us, through the will of God6so much so that we petitioned Titus, that in the same manner as he had begun, he would also complete in you this same grace7But, just as in all things you abound in faith and in word and in knowledge and in all solicitude, and even more so in your charity toward us, so also may you abound in this grace8I am speaking, not commanding. But through the solicitude of others, I approve of the good character of your charity9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that through his poverty, you might become rich
Matthew
43You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and you shall have hatred for your enemy.44But I say to you: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. And pray for those who persecute and slander you45In this way, you shall be sons of your Father, who is in heaven. He causes his sun to rise upon the good and the bad, and he causes it to rain upon the just and the unjust46For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not even tax collectors behave this way47And if you greet only your brothers, what more have you done? Do not even the pagans behave this way48Therefore, be perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are presented with powerful lessons on selflessness and love. The second reading from 2 Corinthians highlights the generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their poverty and hardships, gave abundantly to support others. This act of selflessness was not just about material giving but a profound expression of their faith and commitment to the community. The Gospel from Matthew challenges us further, as Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He emphasizes that true love goes beyond reciprocation, urging us to emulate God’s universal love, which extends to all, regardless of merit.
The context of these readings reveals the transformative power of grace. The Macedonians, though impoverished, were rich in spirit, demonstrating that true wealth lies in generosity and trust in God. Jesus, in His teaching, shifts the focus from conventional notions of love to a radical, inclusive love that mirrors God’s perfection. Both readings call us to transcend our limitations and respond with grace, whether through material support or through the challenging act of loving those who may not love us in return.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on how we can embody this selfless love and generosity. It might mean giving more of our time, talents, or resources to those in need, or it could involve choosing kindness in the face of hostility. The moral lesson here is clear: our actions should reflect God’s perfection, transforming us into agents of His grace. By embracing this call, we not only grow in holiness but also become beacons of hope and love in a world that often prioritizes self-interest. Let us strive to love as God loves, generously and without bounds, allowing His grace to flow through us and touch the lives of all we encounter.