Daily Readings - Thu Jun 15 2017

First Reading - 2 Corinthians 3.15 4.1, 3-6

2 Corinthians

Chapter 3

¹⁵But even until today, when Moses is read, a veil is still set over their hearts

¹Therefore, since we have this ministry, and in as much as we have obtained mercy for ourselves, we are not inadequate³But if our Gospel is in some way hidden, it is hidden to those who are perishing⁴As for them, the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, would not shine in them⁵For we are not preaching about ourselves, but about Jesus Christ our Lord. We are merely your servants through Jesus⁶For God, who told the light to shine out of darkness, has shined a light into our hearts, to illuminate the knowledge of the splendor of God, in the person of Christ Jesus

Gospel - Matthew 5.20-26

Matthew

Chapter 5

²⁰For I say to you, that unless your justice has surpassed that of the scribes and the Pharisees you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven²¹You have heard that it was said to the ancients: ‘You shall not murder; whoever will have murdered shall be liable to judgment.²²But I say to you, that anyone who becomes angry with his brother shall be liable to judgment. But whoever will have called his brother, ‘Idiot,’ shall be liable to the council. Then, whoever will have called him, ‘Worthless,’ shall be liable to the fires of Hell²³Therefore, if you offer your gift at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you²⁴leave your gift there, before the altar, and go first to be reconciled to your brother, and then you may approach and offer your gift²⁵Be reconciled with your adversary quickly, while you are still on the way with him, lest perhaps the adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you will be thrown in prison²⁶Amen I say to you, that you shall not go forth from there, until you have repaid the last quarter

Sermon

In today’s readings, we encounter a profound invitation to reflect on the nature of our faith and how it should shape our lives. The first reading from 2 Corinthians reminds us that the ministry of the Gospel is not about ourselves but about Jesus Christ. Paul speaks of a veil that covers the hearts of those who hear the old covenant, symbolizing the spiritual blindness that can prevent people from seeing the truth of God’s love. He emphasizes that we are called to preach Christ, and our lives must reflect the light of His glory. This passage challenges us to consider whether our own hearts are open to the transformative power of the Gospel or if we, too, are veiled by worldly distractions. The Gospel from Matthew takes us deeper into the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus calls us to a righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. He teaches that anger and harsh words toward others are as serious as murder, and He commands us to seek reconciliation before offering worship. This is not merely about avoiding sin but about living in such a way that our relationships are marked by love, mercy, and humility. Jesus’ words are a stark reminder that our faith is not just about rules or rituals but about the way we treat one another. These readings are deeply connected, as both emphasize the need for spiritual transformation. In 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks of the light of the Gospel shining in our hearts, while in Matthew, Jesus calls us to live out that light in our daily interactions. The moral lesson here is clear: our faith must be lived out in love and reconciliation. Let us ask ourselves today: Are we allowing the light of Christ to shine through us? Are we striving to forgive, to reconcile, and to love as He has loved us? May we embrace the call to live a life that reflects the glory of God, not just in our words, but in our actions and relationships.