Daily Readings - Mon Jun 17 2019
2 Corinthians
1We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.2For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:4But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,5In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;6By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,7By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,8By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;9As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed;10As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Matthew
38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also.41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound teachings from both St. Paul and Jesus, guiding us on how to navigate life's challenges with grace and faith. The first reading from 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 highlights St. Paul's endurance and commitment to ministry despite numerous trials. He emphasizes the importance of patience, kindness, and trust in God's providence, even in the face of adversity. This passage reminds us that our faith is not about avoiding hardships but about persevering through them with unwavering dedication.
In the Gospel from Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus expands on the theme of enduring hardship by teaching us to respond to evil with love and generosity. He challenges us to go beyond the law of retaliation, instead advocating for non-retaliation and selfless giving. This teaching invites us to embrace a higher moral standard, one that reflects God's love and transforms situations through kindness and compassion.
Both readings converge on the theme of responding to challenges with grace. St. Paul shows us how to endure suffering with faith, while Jesus teaches us to respond to evil with love. In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by choosing patience over frustration and generosity over selfishness. By trusting in God's providence and reflecting His love, we can transform our trials into opportunities for growth and witness. Let us strive to live out these teachings, allowing God's grace to guide our actions and decisions, thereby becoming beacons of His love in a world often marked by conflict and division.