Daily Readings - Tue Jun 18 2019
2 Corinthians
1And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.6So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.7But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.8I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Matthew
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'44But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are reminded of the transformative power of generosity and unconditional love. The second reading from 2 Corinthians highlights the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their poverty, gave abundantly to support others. This act of selfless giving was not out of obligation but a heartfelt response to God's grace, demonstrating that true generosity stems from a deep love for God and neighbor. The Gospel from Matthew challenges us to embrace an even higher standard of love—loving not just those who love us, but also our enemies. Jesus teaches us to pray for those who persecute us, mirroring the universal love of our heavenly Father, who showers His gifts equally on the just and the unjust.
These readings are deeply connected, as they both call us to transcend human limitations and embrace divine generosity and love. The Macedonians' willingness to give beyond their means reflects the same spirit of selflessness that Jesus teaches in the Gospel. Both readings invite us to move beyond mere duty or reciprocity and to act out of a gratuitous love that imitates God's own way of loving. Just as the Macedonians gave "first to the Lord and then to us," we too are called to surrender ourselves to God's will, trusting that His grace will provide us with everything we need to live as His children.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to examine our own attitudes toward giving and loving. Do we give reluctantly or generously? Do we love only those who love us back, or are we willing to extend love to those who may not deserve it? The moral lesson here is clear: our ultimate model is God Himself, who is perfect in His love and generosity. As we strive to "be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect," we must trust in His providence and allow His grace to transform our hearts. By doing so, we become instruments of His love and generosity in a world that sorely needs it.