Daily Readings - Sat Jun 19 2021
2 Corinthians
1I must go on boasting. Though there is nothing to be gained by it, I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows.3And I know that this man was caught up into paradise--whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows--4and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter.5On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses.6Though if I should wish to boast, I would not be a fool, for I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me.7So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated.8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Matthew
24"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.25"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.34"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons on trust and humility. The first reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul reflecting on his spiritual experiences, yet he chooses not to boast in visions or revelations. Instead, he finds strength in his weaknesses, acknowledging that God's grace is sufficient. Paul's "thorn in the flesh" becomes a testament to his reliance on divine strength, teaching us that true power lies not in our achievements but in our humility and trust in God.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching on the futility of anxiety. He uses the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate God's providential care, urging us to seek first the kingdom of God. Jesus reminds us that worrying about material needs is counterproductive, as our Heavenly Father knows our needs. This teaching encourages us to live with faith, trusting in God's provision and focusing on spiritual growth.
Both readings converge on the theme of trust in God. Paul's acceptance of his weaknesses and Jesus' admonition against anxiety guide us to reorient our lives. In our daily struggles, we are reminded to trust in God's grace and provision. Let us embrace humility and faith, seeking God's kingdom above all else, knowing that His strength shines through our vulnerabilities.