Daily Readings - Tue Jun 15 2021
2 Corinthians
1Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;2How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
Matthew
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are presented with powerful lessons on selflessness and love. The second reading from 2 Corinthians highlights the generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their poverty and hardships, gave abundantly to support others. This act of selflessness was not just about material giving but a profound expression of their faith and commitment to the community. The Gospel from Matthew challenges us further, as Jesus teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He emphasizes that true love goes beyond reciprocation, urging us to emulate God’s universal love, which extends to all, regardless of merit.
The context of these readings reveals the transformative power of grace. The Macedonians, though impoverished, were rich in spirit, demonstrating that true wealth lies in generosity and trust in God. Jesus, in His teaching, shifts the focus from conventional notions of love to a radical, inclusive love that mirrors God’s perfection. Both readings call us to transcend our limitations and respond with grace, whether through material support or through the challenging act of loving those who may not love us in return.
Applying these lessons to our daily lives, we are invited to reflect on how we can embody this selfless love and generosity. It might mean giving more of our time, talents, or resources to those in need, or it could involve choosing kindness in the face of hostility. The moral lesson here is clear: our actions should reflect God’s perfection, transforming us into agents of His grace. By embracing this call, we not only grow in holiness but also become beacons of hope and love in a world that often prioritizes self-interest. Let us strive to love as God loves, generously and without bounds, allowing His grace to flow through us and touch the lives of all we encounter.