Daily Readings - Wed Jun 18 2025
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, St. Paul and Jesus both invite us to reflect on the motivations behind our actions, particularly in matters of faith and charity. In the second reading from 2 Corinthians, Paul emphasizes the importance of generous and cheerful giving. He reminds us that God blesses those who give with a willing heart, not out of obligation or sadness. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s providence, knowing that He will abundantly provide for our needs when we act with generosity and gratitude.
In the Gospel, Jesus warns against performing acts of piety—such as almsgiving, prayer, and fasting—solely for the sake of appearances. He condemns hypocrisy, where individuals seek praise from others rather than pleasing God. Jesus calls us to sincerity and humility, urging us to perform these acts in secret, where only God can see. By doing so, we ensure that our actions are motivated by a genuine love for God and a desire to grow closer to Him, rather than by the desire for human approval.
These readings remind us that our faith must be rooted in sincerity and humility. Whether we are giving, praying, or fasting, our focus should always be on pleasing God rather than impressing others. Let us examine our own motivations and strive to act with the kind of authenticity that Jesus and Paul describe. When we do so, we open ourselves to God’s grace and allow our actions to bear fruit that lasts.