Daily Readings - Sat Jun 19 2021
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
In today's readings, we encounter two profound lessons on trust and humility. The first reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul reflecting on his spiritual experiences, yet he chooses not to boast in visions or revelations. Instead, he finds strength in his weaknesses, acknowledging that God's grace is sufficient. Paul's "thorn in the flesh" becomes a testament to his reliance on divine strength, teaching us that true power lies not in our achievements but in our humility and trust in God.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching on the futility of anxiety. He uses the examples of birds and lilies to illustrate God's providential care, urging us to seek first the kingdom of God. Jesus reminds us that worrying about material needs is counterproductive, as our Heavenly Father knows our needs. This teaching encourages us to live with faith, trusting in God's provision and focusing on spiritual growth.
Both readings converge on the theme of trust in God. Paul's acceptance of his weaknesses and Jesus' admonition against anxiety guide us to reorient our lives. In our daily struggles, we are reminded to trust in God's grace and provision. Let us embrace humility and faith, seeking God's kingdom above all else, knowing that His strength shines through our vulnerabilities.