Daily Readings - Thu Jun 17 2021
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 themes of authenticity and sincerity, guiding us to reflect on our faith and interactions with the divine. The first reading from 2 Corinthians finds Paul expressing deep concern for the Corinthian community, fearing they might be swayed by false teachings. He defends his ministry, highlighting his commitment and the sacrifices he made, including not burdening them financially. This context reveals Paul's genuine role as an apostle, striving to keep the community rooted in true faith amidst external influences.
The Gospel from Matthew presents Jesus teaching the disciples the Lord's Prayer during the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus emphasizes simplicity and sincerity in prayer, cautioning against the meaningless repetition seen in pagan practices. He underscores the importance of forgiveness, linking our forgiveness by God to our forgiveness of others. This teaching is set in the broader context of Jesus instructing his followers on how to live a life pleasing to God, focusing on the heart's intention rather than outward displays.
Both readings converge on the theme of authenticity. Paul's heartfelt defense of his ministry and Jesus's teachings on sincere prayer remind us to prioritize depth over superficiality. In our daily lives, this means engaging in prayer with intention and honesty, and nurturing our faith with authenticity. The moral lesson here is clear: our relationship with God and others should be marked by sincerity and a focus on what truly matters—living out God's will with genuine hearts.