Daily Readings - Wed Jun 12 2019
2 Corinthians
4And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:5Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;6Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.7But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away:8How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?9For if the ministration of condemnation be glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.10For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.11For if that which is done away was glorious, much more that which remaineth is glorious.
Matthew
17Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.19Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the relationship between the law, the Spirit, and our Christian calling. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that our sufficiency comes not from ourselves but from God. Paul contrasts the “letter” of the law, which brings death, with the “Spirit,” which gives life. He emphasizes that the New Covenant, sealed in Christ, is far more glorious than the Old Covenant, which was engraved on stones. The Gospel from Matthew complements this by having Jesus affirm that He did not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He stresses that every detail of the law remains in force until all is accomplished, and warns that loosening even the smallest commandment diminishes our place in the kingdom of heaven.
The context of these readings is crucial. In 2 Corinthians, Paul is defending his ministry against those who judge by outward appearances. He insists that true ministry is not about human adequacy but about the power of the Spirit. In Matthew, Jesus is addressing the Pharisees and others who were focused on external observance of the law. He calls for a deeper understanding and living of the law, rooted in love and integrity. Together, these readings remind us that while the law is important, it is the Spirit that brings it to life. The law is not an end in itself but a means to guide us toward a life of love, justice, and holiness.
How do these readings apply to our daily lives? They call us to move beyond a superficial observance of rules and regulations. True faith is not about checking boxes or comparing ourselves to others; it is about living in the Spirit and allowing God’s grace to transform us. Jesus’ words remind us that even the smallest acts of faithfulness matter. In a world that often values the big and the dramatic, we are called to be faithful in the little things, trusting that these small acts of love and obedience will have a lasting impact. Let us ask ourselves: Am I living by the Spirit, or am I stuck in the letter of the law? Am I striving to fulfill the law in love, or am I tempted to loosen its demands? May we embrace the glorious freedom of the New Covenant, living as ministers of the Spirit, and may our lives reflect the greatness that comes from doing and teaching God’s will.