Daily Readings - Thu Jun 15 2023
2 Corinthians
15Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.16But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.18And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
1Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart.3And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.4The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.5For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.6For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
Matthew
20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.21"You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'22But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca, 'is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.23"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.25"Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still with him on the way, or he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison.26I tell you the truth, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.
Sermon
In today's readings, we are invited to reflect on the transformative power of the Spirit and the call to live a life of love and reconciliation. The second reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that when we turn to the Lord, the veil is lifted, and the Spirit brings us freedom and illumination. This freedom is not just a release from bondage but an invitation to be transformed by the glory of God in Christ. The Gospel from Matthew challenges us to move beyond mere obedience to the law and to embrace a deeper righteousness. Jesus teaches that anger and harsh words can lead to judgment, urging us to reconcile with others before offering worship and to settle disputes quickly to avoid spiritual harm.
The context of these readings is rooted in the early Christian communities. Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, contrasts the old covenant with the new one in Christ, emphasizing the Spirit's role in revealing God's splendor. In Matthew, Jesus expands the understanding of the law, shifting focus from external actions to the heart's intentions. Both readings highlight the importance of living in the Spirit and embracing a life of love and mercy.
As we apply these readings to our daily lives, we are reminded to seek the Spirit's guidance, allowing it to transform us. We are called to look beyond the surface and to live with hearts open to God's will. The moral lesson here is clear: reconciliation and forgiveness are essential. Let us not let anger fester but instead seek to resolve conflicts with love. May we embrace the freedom and light of the Spirit, living as children of God, transformed by His glory and committed to a life of mercy and peace.