Daily Readings - Mon Jun 17 2019
2 Corinthians
1As God's fellow workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain.2For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.3We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.4Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger;6in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;7in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;8through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors;9known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
Matthew
38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'39But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.40And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.41If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.42Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter profound teachings from both St. Paul and Jesus, guiding us on how to navigate life's challenges with grace and faith. The first reading from 2 Corinthians 6:1-10 highlights St. Paul's endurance and commitment to ministry despite numerous trials. He emphasizes the importance of patience, kindness, and trust in God's providence, even in the face of adversity. This passage reminds us that our faith is not about avoiding hardships but about persevering through them with unwavering dedication.
In the Gospel from Matthew 5:38-42, Jesus expands on the theme of enduring hardship by teaching us to respond to evil with love and generosity. He challenges us to go beyond the law of retaliation, instead advocating for non-retaliation and selfless giving. This teaching invites us to embrace a higher moral standard, one that reflects God's love and transforms situations through kindness and compassion.
Both readings converge on the theme of responding to challenges with grace. St. Paul shows us how to endure suffering with faith, while Jesus teaches us to respond to evil with love. In our daily lives, we can apply these teachings by choosing patience over frustration and generosity over selfishness. By trusting in God's providence and reflecting His love, we can transform our trials into opportunities for growth and witness. Let us strive to live out these teachings, allowing God's grace to guide our actions and decisions, thereby becoming beacons of His love in a world often marked by conflict and division.