Daily Readings - Wed Jun 16 2021
2 Corinthians
6Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.7Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.9As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.11You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
Matthew
1"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.2"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.3But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,4so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.16"When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face,18so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the nature of true spirituality and the importance of living our faith with sincerity and generosity. In the first reading from 2 Corinthians, St. Paul emphasizes the value of cheerful and generous giving. He reminds us that God blesses those who give with joy and trust in His providence, promising that He will provide abundantly for those who act with such faith. This passage encourages us to approach giving—not just of material resources, but also of our time, talents, and love—with openness and gratitude, knowing that God will multiply the fruits of our efforts.
In the Gospel, Jesus teaches us about the proper way to live out our faith in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. He warns against performing these acts of piety for the sake of human recognition, as the hypocrites do. Instead, He calls us to do these things in secret, with humility and sincerity, so that our actions are seen by God alone. Jesus emphasizes that true reward comes from God, who sees what is done in secret and will repay it abundantly. This teaching challenges us to examine our motives and to ensure that our spiritual practices are rooted in a genuine relationship with God, rather than a desire for human approval.
These readings remind us that our faith is not about outward appearances but about the condition of our hearts. Whether we give, pray, or fast, the key is to do so with authenticity and trust in God’s love. Let us strive to live our faith in a way that is humble, generous, and deeply personal, knowing that God sees and rewards the sincerity of our actions. By doing so, we not only grow closer to Him but also become instruments of His grace in the lives of others.