Daily Readings - Mon Jun 16 2025
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 called to reflect on the nature of discipleship and the radical love that defines our faith. The second reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that as ministers of God, we are called to endure trials with patience and to trust in God’s providence. Paul lists the many challenges he faced—tribulations, imprisonments, hardships—but through it all, he remained steadfast in his mission, relying on the power of God and the armor of justice. This passage invites us to embrace our own crosses with courage and to see them as opportunities to grow in holiness and service to others.
The Gospel from Matthew challenges us to live out this radical love in a very practical way. Jesus teaches us not to resist evil but to respond with generosity and kindness. When struck on the cheek, we are to offer the other cheek; when sued for our tunic, we are to give our cloak as well. This is not a call to passivity but to a deeper form of love that seeks to transform hearts rather than simply winning arguments or protecting our rights. Jesus is showing us that true strength lies not in retaliation but in selfless giving and trust in God’s justice.
These readings are deeply connected. Both Paul and Jesus are calling us to live in a way that is counterintuitive to the world. Paul endures suffering for the sake of the Gospel, and Jesus teaches us to love our enemies. Together, they remind us that our faith is not about comfort or convenience but about living in a way that reflects God’s love and mercy. In our daily lives, this means choosing to respond to difficult situations with patience, kindness, and generosity. It means trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for us, even in the midst of trials. Let us strive to live as true disciples, embracing the challenges of our faith with courage and love, knowing that it is through these struggles that we grow closer to God and become instruments of His peace and reconciliation in the world.