Daily Readings - Tue Jun 20 2017
2 Corinthians
1We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,2for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.3For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will,4begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints--5and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.6Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.7But as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you--see that you excel in this act of grace also.8I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
Matthew
43"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'44But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.46For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?47And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?48You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful lessons on generosity and love. The First Reading from 2 Corinthians highlights the Macedonian churches' extraordinary generosity amidst poverty and tribulation. Despite their hardships, they gave abundantly, setting an example of grace and simplicity. This passage is part of Paul's efforts to collect funds for the Jerusalem church, showcasing how faith can lead to selfless giving beyond one's means.
The Gospel from Matthew challenges us with Jesus' teachings on loving our enemies and striving for perfection. Jesus expands the traditional understanding of love, urging us to go beyond societal norms and embrace a higher moral standard. This is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls his followers to a life that reflects God's perfection through selfless love.
Both readings connect in their call to transcend human limitations through divine grace. The Corinthians' generosity and Jesus' command to love enemies illustrate that true Christian living involves giving beyond our capacity, whether financially or emotionally. This trust in God's grace enables us to act with kindness and forgiveness, even in challenging situations.
In our daily lives, we often face opportunities to give more than we think possible. Whether through charity, forgiveness, or kindness, we are called to trust in God's grace to empower us. The moral lesson here is that true love and generosity stem from God, urging us to imitate His perfection through selfless acts. As children of God, we are called to a higher standard, reflecting His love in all we do.