Daily Readings - Tue Jun 20 2017
First Reading - 2 Corinthians 8.1-9
2 Corinthians
1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Gospel - Matthew 5.43-48
Matthew
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter powerful lessons on generosity and love. The First Reading from 2 Corinthians highlights the Macedonian churches' extraordinary generosity amidst poverty and tribulation. Despite their hardships, they gave abundantly, setting an example of grace and simplicity. This passage is part of Paul's efforts to collect funds for the Jerusalem church, showcasing how faith can lead to selfless giving beyond one's means.
The Gospel from Matthew challenges us with Jesus' teachings on loving our enemies and striving for perfection. Jesus expands the traditional understanding of love, urging us to go beyond societal norms and embrace a higher moral standard. This is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls his followers to a life that reflects God's perfection through selfless love.
Both readings connect in their call to transcend human limitations through divine grace. The Corinthians' generosity and Jesus' command to love enemies illustrate that true Christian living involves giving beyond our capacity, whether financially or emotionally. This trust in God's grace enables us to act with kindness and forgiveness, even in challenging situations.
In our daily lives, we often face opportunities to give more than we think possible. Whether through charity, forgiveness, or kindness, we are called to trust in God's grace to empower us. The moral lesson here is that true love and generosity stem from God, urging us to imitate His perfection through selfless acts. As children of God, we are called to a higher standard, reflecting His love in all we do.