Daily Readings - Sat Jun 19 2021
2 Corinthians
1If it is necessary (though certainly not expedient) to glory, then I will next tell of visions and revelations from the Lord2I know a man in Christ, who, more than fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I do not know, or out of the body, I do not know: God knows), was enraptured to the third heaven3And I know a certain man (whether in the body, or out of the body, I do not know: God knows)4who was enraptured into Paradise. And he heard words of mystery, which it is not permitted for man to speak5On behalf of someone like this, I will glory. But on behalf of myself, I will not glory about anything, except my infirmities6For even though I am willing to glory, I will not be foolish. But I will speak the truth. Yet I will do so sparingly, lest anyone may consider me to be anything more than what he sees in me, or anything more than what he hears from me7And lest the greatness of the revelations should extol me, there was given to me a prodding in my flesh: an angel of Satan, who struck me repeatedly8Because of this, three times I petitioned the Lord that it might be taken away from me9And he said to me: "My grace is sufficient for you. For virtue is perfected in weakness." And so, willingly shall I glory in my weaknesses, so that the virtue of Christ may live within me10Because of this, I am pleased in my infirmity: in reproaches, in difficulties, in persecutions, in distresses, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful
Matthew
24No one is able to serve two masters. For either he will have hatred for the one, and love the other, or he will persevere with the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth25And so I say to you, do not be anxious about your life, as to what you will eat, nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing26Consider the birds of the air, how they neither sow, nor reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of much greater value than they are27And which of you, by thinking, is able to add one cubit to his stature28And as for clothing, why are you anxious? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither work nor weave29But I say to you, that not even Solomon, in all his glory, was arrayed like one of these30So if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and cast into the oven tomorrow, how much more will he care for you, O little in faith31Therefore, do not choose to be anxious, saying: ‘What shall we eat, and what shall we drink, and with what shall we be clothed?32For the Gentiles seek all these things. Yet your Father knows that you need all these things33Therefore, seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things shall be added to you as well34Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow; for the future day will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its evil.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons on trust and humility. The first reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul reflecting on his spiritual experiences, yet he chooses not to boast in visions or revelations. Instead, he finds strength in his weaknesses, acknowledging that God's grace is sufficient. Paul's "thorn in the flesh" becomes a testament to his reliance on divine strength, teaching us that true power lies not in our achievements but in our humility and trust in God.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching on the futility of anxiety. He uses the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate God's providential care, urging us to seek first the kingdom of God. Jesus reminds us that worrying about material needs is counterproductive, as our Heavenly Father knows our needs. This teaching encourages us to live with faith, trusting in God's provision and focusing on spiritual growth.
Both readings converge on the theme of trust in God. Paul's acceptance of his weaknesses and Jesus' admonition against anxiety guide us to reorient our lives. In our daily struggles, we are reminded to trust in God's grace and provision. Let us embrace humility and faith, seeking God's kingdom above all else, knowing that His strength shines through our vulnerabilities.