Daily Readings - Thu Jun 22 2017
First Reading - 2 Corinthians 11.1-11
2 Corinthians
Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
Gospel - Matthew 6.7-15
Matthew
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread.And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our faith journey. The First Reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul expressing deep concern for the Corinthians, fearing they might be swayed by false teachings. He emphasizes his commitment to them, highlighting his humility and the sacrifices he’s made, ensuring he didn’t burden them financially. Paul’s jealousy for them is rooted in God, desiring their unwavering fidelity to the true Gospel.
In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus teaches the disciples the Lord’s Prayer, a model of simplicity and sincerity. He warns against the superficiality of pagan prayers, which rely on many words. Jesus’ prayer is a beautiful example of worship, petition, forgiveness, and protection. He underscores the importance of forgiveness, stating that our ability to forgive others directly affects God’s forgiveness of us.
These readings remind us to guard against superficiality in our faith and prayer. Paul’s sincerity in his mission and Jesus’ emphasis on heartfelt prayer encourage us to stay grounded in the Gospel. In our daily lives, we must be cautious of influences that might lead us astray and cultivate an authentic prayer life. Forgiveness is crucial, as it reflects God’s mercy and is essential for our spiritual well-being. Let us strive for sincerity in our faith and relationships, remembering that true prayer and forgiveness are cornerstones of a vibrant spiritual life.