Daily Readings - Thu Jun 15 2017
2 Corinthians
1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Matthew
20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, 'is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.25"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.26I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of our faith and how it should shape our lives. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that the ministry of the Gospel is not about ourselves but about Jesus Christ. Paul speaks of a veil that covers the hearts of those who hear the old covenant, symbolizing the spiritual blindness that can prevent people from seeing the truth of God’s love. He emphasizes that we are called to preach Christ, and our lives must reflect the light of His glory. This passage challenges us to consider whether our own hearts are open to the transformative power of the Gospel or if we, too, are veiled by worldly distractions.
The Gospel from Matthew takes us deeper into the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls us to a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. He teaches that anger and harsh words toward others are as serious as murder, and He commands us to seek reconciliation before offering worship. This is not merely about avoiding sin but about living in such a way that our relationships are marked by love, mercy, and humility. Jesus’ words are a stark reminder that our faith is not just about rules or rituals but about the way we treat one another.
These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the need for spiritual transformation. In 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks of the light of the Gospel shining in our hearts, while in Matthew, Jesus calls us to live out that light in our daily interactions. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived out in love and reconciliation. Let us ask ourselves today: Are we allowing the light of Christ to shine through us? Are we striving to forgive, to reconcile, and to love as He has loved us? May we embrace the call to live a life that reflects the glory of God, not just in our words, but in our actions and relationships.