Daily Readings - Fri Jun 14 2019
2 Corinthians
7But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;10Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.12So then death worketh in us, but life in you.13We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.15For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.
Matthew
27Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:28But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.29And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.30And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.31It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:32But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Sermon
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the nature of faith, suffering, and the deeper implications of God’s law. In 2 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that our bodies are but fragile vessels holding a divine treasure. He speaks of enduring trials and tribulations, not with despair, but with hope, knowing that our suffering is a participation in Christ’s own death and resurrection. This hope is rooted in faith, as Paul emphasizes, quoting the psalmist: “I believed, and so I spoke.” This faith is not passive but active, compelling us to speak and act in a way that manifests the life of Jesus in our mortal flesh.
In the Gospel, Jesus takes us deeper into the heart of the law. He teaches that adultery is not just a physical act but also a matter of the heart. Looking at someone with lust is already adultery in God’s eyes. Similarly, He speaks about divorce, emphasizing the seriousness of such an act and its consequences. Jesus is not just interpreting the law; He is calling us to a higher standard of integrity and purity. This is not about legalism but about the transformation of the heart. Just as Paul speaks of carrying the death of Jesus in our bodies, Jesus here calls us to “cut off” whatever leads us to sin, even if it is as dear as a hand or an eye. This is radical, but it is the call to holiness.
These readings challenge us to examine our lives. Are we enduring trials with faith, trusting that God’s power shines through our weakness? Are we living with integrity, not just outwardly but inwardly? The moral lesson is clear: true Christianity is not about outward appearances but about the condition of the heart. It is about living in such a way that the life of Jesus is manifested in us, even in the midst of suffering. Let us ask for the grace to embrace this call to holiness, to trust in God’s power, and to live with hearts pure and true.