6th Week after Holy Cross

1Corinthians 9:13-18 Reason for Not Using His Rights

Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service
get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in
what is sacrificed on the altar? In the same way, the Lord commanded
that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this so
that they may be applied in my case. Indeed, I would rather die than
that — no one will deprive me of my ground for boasting! If I proclaim
the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is
laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do
this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am
entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that
in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to
make full use of my rights in the gospel.
Praise be to God always!

Matthew 13:31-35 The Parable of the Mustard Seed and Yeast/
The Use of Parables

Jesus put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a
mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest
of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and
becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its
branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is
like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour
until all of it was leavened.” Jesus told the crowds all these things in
parables; without a parable he told them nothing. This was to fulfill
what had been spoken through the prophet: “I will open my mouth to
speak in parables; I will proclaim what has been hidden from the foundation
of the world.”
This is the truth. Peace be with you.

Paul was willing to give up his rights for the sake of the kingdom. However, he knew that it was better for the people if they were willing to do their share as well. How often do we ask others to sacrifice for us, when we ourselves are unwilling to sacrifice? How often do we ask from others what we are not willing to give? The Christian life involves losing our own life for the sake of others.

Praise, glory and honor to the kind and merciful Lord;
in his divine providence he cares for all creatures
and lavishes his love on all who invoke him with faith.
Never does he refuse to help those who implore him.
The treasure of his kindness remains open to all who repent.
To the Lord of goodness is due glory and honor this morning,
and all the days of our lives,
now and forever.
Amen.