Daily Readings - Thu Jun 17 2021
2 Corinthians
1Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me.2For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.4For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.5For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.6But though I be rude in speech, yet not in knowledge; but we have been throughly made manifest among you in all things.7Have I committed an offence in abasing myself that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely?8I robbed other churches, taking wages of them, to do you service.9And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.10As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.11Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth.
Matthew
7But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.8Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.10Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.11Give us this day our daily bread.12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter themes of authenticity and sincerity, guiding us to reflect on our faith and interactions with the divine. The first reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul expressing deep concern for the Corinthian community, fearing they might be swayed by false teachings. He defends his ministry, highlighting his commitment and the sacrifices he made, including not burdening them financially. This context reveals Paul's genuine role as an apostle, striving to keep the community rooted in true faith amidst external influences.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching the disciples the Lord's Prayer during the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus emphasizes simplicity and sincerity in prayer, cautioning against the meaningless repetition seen in pagan practices. He underscores the importance of forgiveness, linking our forgiveness by God to our forgiveness of others. This teaching is set in the broader context of Jesus instructing his followers on how to live a life pleasing to God, focusing on the heart's intention rather than outward displays.
Both readings converge on the theme of authenticity. Paul's heartfelt defense of his ministry and Jesus's teachings on sincere prayer remind us to prioritize depth over superficiality. In our daily lives, this means engaging in prayer with intention and honesty, and nurturing our faith with authenticity. The moral lesson here is clear: our relationship with God and others should be marked by sincerity and a focus on what truly matters—living out God's will with genuine hearts.