Mass Readings for June 20, 2023

2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Psalms 146:2,5-9
Matthew 5:43-48

2 Corinthians 8:1-9
(1) Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia; (2) how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity. (3) For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, (4) begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints. (5) This was not as we had expected, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. (6) So we urged Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace. (7) But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace. (8) I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. (9) For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

Psalms 146:2,5-9
(2) While I live, I will praise Yahweh. I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist. (5) Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Yahweh, his God: (6) who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever; (7) who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. Yahweh frees the prisoners. (8) Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down. Yahweh loves the righteous. (9) Yahweh preserves the foreigners. He upholds the fatherless and widow, but the way of the wicked he turns upside down.

Matthew 5:43-48
(43) “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ (44) But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, (45) that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. (46) For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? (47) If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? (48) Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.