Replies

Sunday Scripture Study

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A

February 23, 2014

Click here for USCCB readings

Opening Prayer

First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18

Psalm: 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23

Gospel Reading: Matthew 5:38-48

Continuing with the Sermon on the Mount we have been hearing from in the last several weeks, this Sunday we will hear the remainder of the section of Matthew 5 sometimes called “the Six Antitheses”. Each antithesis follows a similar format: Jesus citing the Old Law, saying “you have heard it was said…”, and responding with the refrain “…But I say to you”. Jesus is thus established as the new Moses and the lawgiver of the New Covenant.

In verses 38-42, Jesus speaks about the law of retaliation. The command “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” (taken from Exodus 21:24) sounds harsh to our ears, but in the context of the ancient Middle East, it was actually an enlightened improvement on the prevailing practice which allowed unlimited retaliation for offenses committed. Even so, Jesus goes even further in eliminating the policy of private retaliation from the personal life of the disciple (Romans 12:17).

In verses 43-48, Jesus reminds his hearers of what was considered one of the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:39), that is, to love one’s neighbor as oneself (see Leviticus 19:18) along with the common belief that one should “hate” their enemies (the Jews of the time had a very definition of “neighbor”, restricting it to fellow Jews; thus the parable of the Good Samaritan. See Luke 10:29-37). Jesus, in this instance, removes limits on to whom they are to extend their charity. In fact, they (and we) are to strive to imitate the perfection of God the Father who has solicitude for all (verses 45, 48).

QUESTIONS:

In the 1st Reading, how is the commandment given by Moses, though good, still limited? In what way or ways is the new commandment given by Jesus superior?

In the Second Reading, what is the basis of our dignity in the Lord (verse 16)? In the context of verse 17 and Matthew 5:48, how should we conduct ourselves?

What was the original intent of “an eye for an eye”? How is this law being perverted? What qualities should replace those desires for revenge?

Although the standards Jesus gives are not a new law we must attain before God will have mercy on us, what do they suggest about the direction God wants us to grow after we have received his mercy? Which of these qualities do you want to cultivate most right now? How would your life be different as God helps you to do this?

What “enemies” has God given you to love? How can you love them? Why does he command you to love them?

Closing Prayer

Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 1693, 1825, 1933, 1968, 2013, 2054, 2262, 2303, 2443, 2608, 2844

Your duty is to sanctify yourself. Yes, even you. Who thinks that this task is only for priests and religious? To everyone, without exception, our Lord said: `Be ye perfect, as My Heavenly Father is perfect.' -St Josemaria Escriva

Can Anyone Tell if I am a Believer?

Pastor’s Column

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time

February 23, 2014

For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? From Matthew 5:38-48

The demands that Jesus makes in this gospel certainly seem radical. Here, Jesus seems to be saying things such as if someone sues you, give them twice as much as they ask. If someone wants to borrow your coat, give them a shirt as well. How do we live this in real terms? Jesus is simply stating a great truth of our faith: there is no setback that God cannot work to good, nothing we have given up for him that will not be repaid. If the Lord is our friend and our salvation, what can anyone really do to us? A good way to look at this might be, "Is there anything about my life that is different than the way others around me live? What is it about my life that makes me a Christian? Can you tell?” One of my favorite illustrations of this passage is a story St. Therese of Lisieux relates in her splendid autobiography, The Story of a Soul. Monks and nuns regularly gather for recreation; this is time they are required to spend together as a community, and also at meals. Well, even religious usually would prefer to speak and sit with people they like! But what I always find remarkable is that St. Therese would regularly sit down with that nun who was cranky, or the one who would criticize her behind her back, or the one that no one could please, the nun everyone else avoided. Now that is real sanctity!

God rarely offers us opportunities to do great things for him or others. A life of faith usually consists of small sacrifices done well, using wisely the circumstances and people we find ourselves in or with daily. Let's turn this around for a moment. What if Jesus had said something like this: If you are coming to coffee and donuts after Mass, and the only people you say hello to are people you know and like, what possible merit is there in that? Even pagans greet their friends!

But what does radical Christianity call for? Can I greet the stranger I see coming to Mass here, or the person I don’t know at coffee and donuts? Now that's real Christianity! It seems very mundane, but things like this are often where God wishes us to make a difference in the lives of others.

Father Gary