Daily Readings - Wed Feb 17 2021
Joel
12Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:13And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.14Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God?15Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly:16Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet.17Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?18Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people.
Matthew
1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.2Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.3But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:4That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.5And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.6But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Sermon
The readings today guide us on a journey of sincerity and humility in our faith. Joel calls us to repentance, urging us to turn our hearts fully to God through genuine fasting and prayer, rather than outward displays. This inward focus is echoed by Paul, who reminds us to live as true ambassadors of Christ, embracing His grace with heartfelt commitment. Jesus, in the Gospel, teaches us to practice our faith humbly, seeking God's approval rather than human praise.
These passages remind us that our faith should be a deeply personal and sincere relationship with God. Whether in prayer, fasting, or acts of charity, our focus should be on pleasing Him rather than seeking the admiration of others. The call to be ambassadors for Christ and to live as the righteousness of God is a profound reminder of our mission to embody His love and grace in the world.
In our daily lives, let us reflect on our motivations and ensure that our actions are guided by a sincere desire to honor God. By embracing humility and authenticity, we cultivate a faith that is not only genuine but also transformative. Let us strive to live in such a way that our hearts are always turned toward God, seeking His reward and approval above all else.