Daily Catholic Mass Readings for June 17, 2017
First Reading: 2 Corinthians 5.14-21
14For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;15and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.16From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.18All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;19that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.20Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.21For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Psalm 103
1Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,3who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,4who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,5who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.6The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed.7He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel.8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.9He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.10He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.11For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;12as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.13As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him.14For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.15As for man, his days are like grass; he flourishes like a flower of the field;16for the wind passes over it, and it is gone, and its place knows it no more.17But the steadfast love of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to children's children,18to those who keep his covenant and remember to do his commandments.19The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.20Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word!21Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers, who do his will!22Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul!
Gospel: Matthew 5.33-37
33"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'34But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,35or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.36And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.37Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we reflect on themes of reconciliation and authenticity. The Second Reading from 2 Corinthians emphasizes our new life in Christ, urging us to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Paul writes that through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are made new, called to live not for ourselves but for Him. This transformation is a gift from God, enabling us to see others through the lens of grace and mercy. In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus teaches about the simplicity of truth, instructing us to let our words be truthful without the need for oaths. He warns that anything beyond a simple “yes” or “no” comes from evil, highlighting the importance of integrity in our speech.
These readings, though from different contexts, are deeply connected. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians was written to a community grappling with division, urging them to embrace their reconciled state in Christ. Similarly, Matthew’s Gospel excerpt is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus challenges his followers to live authentically. Together, they call us to a life transformed by Christ, where our actions and words reflect His presence within us. The connection lies in the call to authenticity and reconciliation, reminding us that our faith should permeate every aspect of our lives.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are called to be peacemakers and truth-tellers. As reconcilers, we should seek to heal divisions in our communities and families. In our interactions, let us strive to be people of our word, demonstrating integrity in all we say and do. This not only builds trust but also reflects the character of Christ. The moral lesson here is profound: our new life in Christ compels us to live with authenticity and compassion. May we embrace this call, allowing the love of Christ to transform us and shine through us, inspiring others to seek reconciliation and truth.