Daily Readings - Tue Jun 15 2021
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 are presented with powerful lessons on selflessness and love. The second reading from 2 Corinthians highlights the generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their poverty and hardships, gave abundantly to support others. This act of selflessness was not just about material giving but a profound expression of their faith and commitment to the community. The Gospel from Matthew challenges us further, as Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He emphasizes that true love goes beyond reciprocation, urging us to emulate God’s universal love, which extends to all, regardless of merit.
The context of these readings reveals the transformative power of grace. The Macedonians, though impoverished, were rich in spirit, demonstrating that true wealth lies in generosity and trust in God. Jesus, in His teaching, shifts the focus from conventional notions of love to a radical, inclusive love that mirrors God’s perfection. Both readings call us to transcend our limitations and respond with grace, whether through material support or through the challenging act of loving those who may not love us in return.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on how we can embody this selfless love and generosity. It might mean giving more of our time, talents, or resources to those in need, or it could involve choosing kindness in the face of hostility. The moral lesson here is clear: our actions should reflect God’s perfection, transforming us into agents of His grace. By embracing this call, we not only grow in holiness but also become beacons of hope and love in a world that often prioritizes self-interest. Let us strive to love as God loves, generously and without bounds, allowing His grace to flow through us and touch the lives of all we encounter.