Greetings on this the Monday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Psalm 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4; Matthew 5:38-42
Summary
We appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain (2 COR 6:1b).
Lord, you have renewed the face of the earth.
Your Church throughout the world sings you a new song, announcing your wonders to all.
Through a virgin, you have brought forth a new birth in our world;
through your miracles a new power;
through your suffering, a new patience;
in your resurrection, a new hope; and
in your ascension, new majesty.
Amen
- Liturgy of the Hours, Monday, Week III, the Psalmody of Praise, the Psalm-prayer.
Reflection
Today is day 4 of 5 continuous days of Jesus explaining to us. You have heard … But I say to you… when we encounter these new teachings (or the teachings in a new way), we must keep in mind the change – the framework – in which we make these pledges and newness of living.
All things are new. A new birth, a new power, a new patience, a new hope and a new majesty. All shared with us not by display alone, as if God needed to show off, but by a certain and sure sharing of these things that allows us to see life differently.
Consider the Psalmist – The Lord has made known his salvation. He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. (PS 98:2a, 3). This victory is the victory of Jesus to make all things new.
Consider Saint Paul’s letter – In everything we commend ourselves as ministers of God [to do] vigils, fasts, [in] purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, in a holy spirit, in unfeigned love, in truthful speech, in the power of God (2 COR 6:4, 5b-7). This is the newness we speak of today.
Consider your own thoughts – We have spoken frankly to you, Corinthians; our heart is open wide. You are not constrained by us; you are constrained by your own affections. As recompense in kind (I speak as to my children), be open yourselves (2 COR 6:11-13)
Then we can imagine Jesus’ commandments. This newness of life.
Consider how Jesus’ commandment is actually quite doable!
Offer no resistance to one who is evil. When someone strikes you on [your] right cheek, turn the other one to him as well. If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow (MT 5:39-42).
The needs of others are hidden behind these inferior expressions:
- Evil – a path to relief. [Jesus says] Offer instead a new path forward.
- Striking others – to remove their pain.
- Law – to get justice.
- Service – to get help.
- Request – to enter into friendship.
- Plead – to fill the void that hurts.
Then we can see the newness of life in Jesus.
Personal Reflection
In our gospel today, Teaching About Retaliation, Jesus offers newness of responding begins with a newness in our perspective. In the renewal of the face of the earth is our strength meant to be shared not in retaliation but in response to the core needs that are hidden beneath the evil. Where does the power come from to change our ways? Our help is from the Lord – who made heaven and earth (PS 121:2).
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/061625.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry