Daily Readings - Thu Jun 22 2017
2 Corinthians
1I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!2I feel a divine jealousy for you, for I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.3But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.4For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.5I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.6Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God's gospel to you free of charge?8I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.9And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.10As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.11And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
Matthew
7"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9Pray then like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.10Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.11Give us this day our daily bread,12and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.14For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,15but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our faith journey. The First Reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul expressing deep concern for the Corinthians, fearing they might be swayed by false teachings. He emphasizes his commitment to them, highlighting his humility and the sacrifices he’s made, ensuring he didn’t burden them financially. Paul’s jealousy for them is rooted in God, desiring their unwavering fidelity to the true Gospel.
In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus teaches the disciples the Lord’s Prayer, a model of simplicity and sincerity. He warns against the superficiality of pagan prayers, which rely on many words. Jesus’ prayer is a beautiful example of worship, petition, forgiveness, and protection. He underscores the importance of forgiveness, stating that our ability to forgive others directly affects God’s forgiveness of us.
These readings remind us to guard against superficiality in our faith and prayer. Paul’s sincerity in his mission and Jesus’ emphasis on heartfelt prayer encourage us to stay grounded in the Gospel. In our daily lives, we must be cautious of influences that might lead us astray and cultivate an authentic prayer life. Forgiveness is crucial, as it reflects God’s mercy and is essential for our spiritual well-being. Let us strive for sincerity in our faith and relationships, remembering that true prayer and forgiveness are cornerstones of a vibrant spiritual life.