Daily Readings - Sat Jun 22 2019
2 Corinthians
1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.3And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)4How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.5Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.6For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.7And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.8For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.9And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.10Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Matthew
24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.25Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?26Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?27Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?28And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:29And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.30Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith?31Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?32For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.33But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.34Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the relationship between weakness, trust, and the pursuit of God’s will. In the first reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul speaks of his own struggles and the revelations he received, yet he humbly acknowledges his limitations. He shares that he petitioned the Lord to remove a “thorn in the flesh,” but instead of relief, he received the assurance that God’s grace is sufficient. This profound lesson teaches us that our weaknesses are not obstacles but opportunities for God’s power to shine through us. In the Gospel, Jesus warns us against divided loyalties and anxiety about material needs. He encourages us to trust in God’s providence, pointing to the birds of the air and the lilies of the field as examples of His care. Jesus reminds us that seeking first the kingdom of God and His justice should be our priority, for all else will be given to us as well.
Both readings call us to reorient our lives toward trust and dependence on God. Paul’s willingness to embrace his infirmities and Jesus’ teachings on not worrying about tomorrow remind us that true strength lies not in self-reliance but in surrender. When we let go of the need to control every aspect of our lives, we open ourselves to the transformative power of grace. This does not mean we should be passive or irresponsible but rather that we should cultivate a deep trust that God is always at work, even in the midst of challenges.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where am I holding on to anxiety or fear? Where am I trying to rely solely on my own strength? Let us remember that God’s grace is sufficient for us, just as it was for Paul. Let us seek to live with simplicity, trusting that our heavenly Father knows what we need. By prioritizing the kingdom of God and His justice, we align our hearts with His will, and we find peace in the midst of life’s uncertainties.