Daily Readings - Sat Jun 14 2025
2 Corinthians
14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Matthew
33"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord.'34But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne;35or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King.36And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.37Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.
Sermon
In today's readings, we explore themes of transformation and authenticity through our faith. The first reading from 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 highlights the profound impact of Christ's death and resurrection. Paul emphasizes that we are no longer the same, for we have been reconciled to God through Christ. This reconciliation transforms us into new creations, ambassadors of God's love and reconciliation. Our lives should now reflect this newness, living not for ourselves but for Christ, who has made us righteous through His sacrifice.
In the Gospel, Matthew 5:33-37, Jesus teaches us about the importance of honesty and simplicity in our speech. He instructs us to avoid swearing oaths and instead let our words be truthful and straightforward. This teaching is part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus interprets the Law in a way that calls for a deeper integrity. Our "Yes" should mean "Yes," and our "No" should mean "No," reflecting the authenticity of our character.
These readings connect in their call to live out our faith authentically. In Corinthians, we are ambassadors of reconciliation, while in Matthew, we are called to truthful living. Together, they remind us that our faith should permeate every aspect of our lives, including our interactions with others. Practically, this means avoiding deceit, keeping our promises, and ensuring our words and actions align with our beliefs.
The moral lesson here is one of integrity and authenticity. As new creations in Christ, we are called to live in a way that reflects God's truth and love. Our transformed lives should be evident in how we speak and act, serving as a testament to the reconciliation we have through Christ. Let us strive to live authentically, embodying the truth and love of God in all we do.