Daily Readings - Wed Jun 21 2023
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
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the authenticity of our faith and the sincerity of our actions. The second reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our generosity should be cheerful and selfless, trusting in God's abundance. The Gospel from Matthew challenges us to examine our motivations, warning against performing good deeds for human recognition rather than genuine devotion. Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness is done in secret, where only God sees, promising that our Father will reward such sincerity.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian communities. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, encourages generosity and trust in God's providence, while Matthew's Gospel presents Jesus teaching on true piety. Both readings highlight the importance of humility and sincerity in our spiritual lives, contrasting genuine faith with hypocritical displays of righteousness.
In our daily lives, these teachings call us to reflect on our intentions. Do we perform good deeds to be seen, or do we act out of love for God and neighbor? Let us cultivate a humble and sincere heart, trusting that our true reward comes from God. By doing so, we align our actions with His will, living a life that truly honors Him.