Daily Readings - Sat Jun 15 2019
2 Corinthians
14For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.16Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.17Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.18And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;19To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.20Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Matthew
33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:34But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:35Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.36Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.37But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore profound teachings from 2 Corinthians and Matthew, both guiding us toward a life of authenticity and reconciliation. The passage from 2 Corinthians emphasizes our new identity in Christ, urging us to live as ambassadors of reconciliation, entrusted with the mission of restoring relationships between God and humanity. This is rooted in the belief that Christ's death and resurrection have transformed us, making us new creations. The Gospel from Matthew complements this by highlighting the importance of integrity in our speech, as Jesus teaches us to avoid oaths and instead let our "Yes" mean "Yes" and our "No" mean "No." This teaching underscores the value of truthfulness and simplicity in our interactions.
These readings, while distinct, are interconnected in their call to authentic living. In 2 Corinthians, Paul's focus is on the transformative power of Christ, urging believers to embrace their role in reconciling others to God. This transformation is not just internal but also external, manifesting in how we live and interact. Matthew's teaching on honesty ties into this by illustrating that our words and actions are integral to living out our faith. By being truthful and reliable, we reflect the character of Christ, fostering trust and reconciliation in our relationships.
Applying these teachings to our daily lives, we are reminded to approach each interaction with honesty and integrity. Whether in personal relationships, professional dealings, or community engagements, our commitment to truthfulness and simplicity in speech is a form of reconciliation. It builds trust and fosters understanding, reflecting our identity as new creations in Christ. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us strive to be ambassadors of reconciliation, not just in grand gestures, but in the everyday moments where our words and actions can bring healing and unity.
The moral lesson here is clear: our faith is not just about belief but about how we live and interact. By embracing honesty and integrity, we embody the love and truth of Christ, contributing to a world in need of reconciliation. Let us prayerfully consider how we can live out this calling, allowing the transformative power of Christ to shine through us in every word and deed.