Daily Readings - Mon Jun 19 2023
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 two powerful messages that guide us in living out our Christian faith. The first reading from 2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Paul urges the Corinthians to embrace the grace of God fully and to endure hardships with patience and love. He emphasizes the importance of living as ministers of God, even in the face of tribulation, by maintaining chastity, knowledge, and longsuffering. This passage is set in the context of Paul's correspondence with the Corinthian church, addressing their challenges and encouraging faithfulness.
The Gospel reading from Matthew 5:38-42 is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He teaches about the ethics of the Kingdom of God. Jesus challenges His followers to move beyond the law of retaliation, advocating for non-resistance and generosity. He instructs them to offer the other cheek, give more than required, and lend without hesitation. This teaching emphasizes responding to evil with kindness and love.
Together, these readings connect by highlighting the Christian life as one of endurance and active love. Paul's endurance in hardship and Jesus' call to radical love show us that faith involves both perseverance and compassionate action. Applying this to daily life, we are called to face challenges with patience and to respond to others with generosity and kindness, trusting in God's providence.
The moral lesson here is clear: our faith should be lived out in grace, endurance, and love. We are to trust in God's plan, endure trials with patience, and actively choose to love and give, even when it is difficult. This way of life reflects the heart of Christian living, guiding us to embody the love and endurance taught by Paul and Jesus.