Daily Readings - Sat Jun 21 2025
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 reflections on trust and surrender to God’s providence. The first reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul recounting his mystical experiences, yet he quickly shifts focus to his weaknesses and the grace of God that sustains him. He describes how he pleaded with the Lord to remove a trial, only to hear the reassuring words, “My grace is sufficient for you.” This humility and trust in God’s plan, despite suffering, are central to Paul’s message. The Gospel from Matthew continues this theme, as Jesus teaches His disciples not to be consumed by anxiety about material needs. He invites them to consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, which are cared for by God, and to trust that their heavenly Father will provide for them as well. Jesus emphasizes that true freedom comes from seeking the Kingdom of God first and trusting in His goodness.
The readings are deeply connected in their call to trust in God’s providence. Paul’s willingness to glory in his weaknesses rather than his strengths reflects a radical reliance on God’s grace. Similarly, Jesus’ teaching challenges us to let go of our obsession with security and control, instead placing our hope in the Father’s care. Both readings remind us that true strength lies not in self-sufficiency but in surrendering our fears and anxieties to God. This is not an invitation to passivity but to a deeper faith that recognizes God’s presence and action in all things.
How can we apply this to our daily lives? So often, we are tempted to rely on our own efforts and resources, or we become overwhelmed by worries about the future. These readings invite us to reorient our hearts. When we face challenges or uncertainties, let us remember Paul’s words: “When I am weak, then I am strong.” And when anxiety creeps in, let us recall Jesus’ gentle assurance that our Father knows what we need. By seeking first the Kingdom of God, we are not neglecting our responsibilities but rather placing them in the hands of the One who cares for us more than we can imagine. In this way, we find true peace and freedom, even in the midst of life’s trials.