Daily Readings - Thu Jun 22 2017
2 Corinthians
1I hope you will put up with a little of my foolishness; but you are already doing that.2I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him.3But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ.4For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.5But I do not think I am in the least inferior to those "super-apostles."6I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.7Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge?8I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you.9And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so.10As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine.11Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!
Matthew
7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.9"This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,10your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.11Give us today our daily bread.12Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. '14For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.15But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter two powerful messages that guide us in our faith journey. The First Reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul expressing deep concern for the Corinthians, fearing they might be swayed by false teachings. He emphasizes his commitment to them, highlighting his humility and the sacrifices he’s made, ensuring he didn’t burden them financially. Paul’s jealousy for them is rooted in God, desiring their unwavering fidelity to the true Gospel.
In the Gospel from Matthew, Jesus teaches the disciples the Lord’s Prayer, a model of simplicity and sincerity. He warns against the superficiality of pagan prayers, which rely on many words. Jesus’ prayer is a beautiful example of worship, petition, forgiveness, and protection. He underscores the importance of forgiveness, stating that our ability to forgive others directly affects God’s forgiveness of us.
These readings remind us to guard against superficiality in our faith and prayer. Paul’s sincerity in his mission and Jesus’ emphasis on heartfelt prayer encourage us to stay grounded in the Gospel. In our daily lives, we must be cautious of influences that might lead us astray and cultivate an authentic prayer life. Forgiveness is crucial, as it reflects God’s mercy and is essential for our spiritual well-being. Let us strive for sincerity in our faith and relationships, remembering that true prayer and forgiveness are cornerstones of a vibrant spiritual life.