Daily Readings - Wed Jun 16 2021
2 Corinthians
6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.7Each one must give as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.9As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."10He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.11You will be enriched in every way for all your generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
Matthew
1"Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.2"Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.5"And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.6But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.16"And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.17But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,18that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of true spirituality and the importance of living our faith with sincerity and generosity. In the first reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul emphasizes the value of cheerful and generous giving. He reminds us that God blesses those who give with joy and trust in His providence, promising that He will provide abundantly for those who act with such faith. This passage encourages us to approach giving—not just of material resources, but also of our time, talents, and love—with openness and gratitude, knowing that God will multiply the fruits of our efforts.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the proper way to live out our faith in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He warns against performing these acts of piety for the sake of human recognition, as the hypocrites do. Instead, He calls us to do these things in secret, with humility and sincerity, so that our actions are seen by God alone. Jesus emphasizes that true reward comes from God, who sees what is done in secret and will repay it abundantly. This teaching challenges us to examine our motives and to ensure that our spiritual practices are rooted in a genuine relationship with God, rather than a desire for human approval.
These readings remind us that our faith is not about outward appearances but about the condition of our hearts. Whether we give, pray, or fast, the key is to do so with authenticity and trust in God’s love. Let us strive to live our faith in a way that is humble, generous, and deeply personal, knowing that God sees and rewards the sincerity of our actions. By doing so, we not only grow closer to Him but also become instruments of His grace in the lives of others.