Daily Readings - Fri Jun 21 2019
2 Corinthians
18Seeing that many glory after the flesh, I will glory also.21I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. Howbeit whereinsoever any is bold, (I speak foolishly,) I am bold also.22Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.23Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.24Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.25Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;26In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;27In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.28Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?30If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine infirmities.
Matthew
19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.22The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter two powerful messages that invite us to reflect on our priorities and commitments. The first reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul listing the hardships and sufferings he has endured for the sake of the Gospel. He speaks of numerous imprisonments, beatings, and dangers, yet he does not boast in his strength but in his weaknesses. Paul's words are a testament to his unwavering dedication to his mission and his trust in God's grace, even in the face of immense trials. This passage reminds us that true strength lies not in our own abilities but in our willingness to surrender to God's will, even when the path is difficult.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the dangers of earthly treasures and the importance of storing up treasures in heaven. He warns that our hearts will be drawn to whatever we treasure most, and if our focus is on material wealth, our hearts will be consumed by it. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of a pure heart, using the metaphor of the eye as the lamp of the body. If our vision is clear and our intentions are pure, our entire being will be filled with light. However, if our vision is corrupted by greed or selfishness, darkness will take hold. This teaching challenges us to examine where we place our trust and what we value most in life.
These readings are deeply connected, as both Paul and Jesus call us to reorient our lives toward spiritual priorities. Paul's willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the Gospel reflects a heart fully dedicated to heavenly treasures. Similarly, Jesus teaches us that our true wealth lies not in material possessions but in a life lived in accordance with God's will. As we reflect on these passages, let us ask ourselves: Where are we placing our trust? Are we allowing the trials of life to draw us closer to God, or are we becoming distracted by earthly concerns? May we strive to live with the kind of integrity and generosity that Paul exemplifies, trusting that our true treasure lies in heaven, where no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Let us pray for the grace to keep our hearts pure and our eyes fixed on the light of Christ.