Daily Readings - Fri Jun 18 2021
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 are invited to reflect on the nature of true wealth and the enduring power of faith amidst suffering. The First Reading from 2 Corinthians presents St. Paul’s passionate defense of his apostleship, where he catalogues his countless trials—imprisonments, beatings, shipwrecks, and endless labors. Yet, far from complaining, Paul sees these sufferings as a badge of honor, for they testify to his unwavering commitment to Christ and the churches he serves. His boast is not in his strength but in his weakness, through which the power of God shines forth. This passage reminds us that our worth is not measured by worldly standards of success or comfort but by our fidelity to the Gospel, even when it demands sacrifice.
The Gospel from Matthew 6 offers a complementary message. Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth, where they can be corrupted or stolen, and instead encourages us to accumulate treasures in heaven. He links this to the state of our hearts, emphasizing that our true treasure is what draws our heart’s desire. The image of the eye as the lamp of the body underscores the importance of purity of intention and focus. If our gaze is fixed on earthly riches or fleeting pleasures, our inner light grows dim. But if our hearts are set on heavenly things, our entire being is illuminated with the light of Christ. Together, these readings challenge us to reevaluate our priorities and to seek a life of detachment from materialism and attachment to eternal values.
As we apply these teachings to our daily lives, let us ask ourselves: Where am I investing my time, energy, and resources? Am I building up treasures that will endure beyond this life, or am I chasing after things that will ultimately perish? St. Paul’s example calls us to embrace the sacrifices that come with following Christ, trusting that they will bear fruit in ways we may not even see. Jesus’ words remind us to keep our hearts pure and our vision clear, so that we may live as children of light in a world often consumed by darkness. May we strive to live with simplicity, generosity, and a deep trust in God’s providence, storing up treasures in heaven where no thief can steal and no moth can corrupt.