lifestyle was based on justice but now it is based on love.

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time.

First Reading. Lev. 19: 1-2, 17-18.

The Lord wants His people to be holy because He is holy. For this reason they should love their neighbor, hold no grudges against them.

Second Reading. 1 Cor. 3: 16-23.

St. Paul writes to the Corinthian community reminding them that they are temples of God, and that the Holy Spirit lives in them. This is God’s gift and anyone who destroys them, will be treated harshly.

Gospel. Mt. 5: 38 -48.

Jesus presents His way of life. Earlier, one’s lifestyle was based on justice but now it is based on love. Here Jesus calls on his followers for a greater and more perfect way of living.


Reflection.

Today’s readings invite us to lead a holy life, for God is holy. As children of God we are His temples and His Spirit dwells in us. On no account should we destroy his temple and thereby lose its holiness. Therefore we should live in love with our brothers, sisters and neighbors. In order to remain holy we should also love. There was a time when people lived unjustly. But today Jesus demands our love should extend far beyond merely being just, and anyone who lives in love lives in God and God too lives in him, and in him there is holiness. This is the type of holiness that is called for in today’s readings.

In the first reading we read about Moses asking his people to be holy as God is holy. In order that life be worthy of God, they are exhorted to love their neighbor too. They should not hate their brother nor bear any grudge against him. This implies that it is not just a matter of not doing any evil against our neighbor but even those which we ought; but do not do in order to save our brother also matters. In other words we should not only do no harm against our neighbor but even go to the extent of doing something to save him. All these should be done for the love of our neighbor, thereby preserving the holiness of our lives.

The second reading says that we are the temples of God and that the Holy Spirit lives in us. Therefore we ought to protect this temple lest God destroys us. God’s temple is holy and the Holy Spirit lives in it. That is the reason why we should be holy in our lives. We should not rely on human efforts or on our powers alone to attain this holiness, but place ourselves totally in the hands of God. God’s glory should shine in us forever.
In the Gospel Jesus refers to the times when injustice was prevalent and the temple leaders were calling to lead just lives. Christ’s call is for people to live in love. Therefore it is a call for love beyond justice. This is quite clear from what Jesus said; “You have heard that it was said, ‘eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth’ but I say to you, do not resist one who is evil, but if anyone strike you on the right cheek turn to him the other side also; and if anyone would sue you to take your coat, let him take your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.” This is the perfect way of living found in the life of Christ. Now he wants us to imitate him and be holy as he is. 

Aid Story.

A ship was wrecked off the northwest coast of Ireland. An Irish lad volunteered to rescue the last   man on the ship, but his mother tried to dissuade him from the perilous task. She pleaded that his father and Bill his brother had never come back from the sea. She would be entirely left alone if he were lost. Despite her entreaties, he set out for the sinking ship. After what seemed hours the tiny boat came bobbling through the swirling surf. The crowd on the shore shouted to the rescuer; “have you got the man?” “Yes” came the voice through the mist “And tell my mother it is Bill, My brother Bill.”

Aid Story 2.

A woman met a boy seven years old who was carrying a very heavy infant. The little boy appeared tired because his thin arms were not sufficiently strong to support the weight of the baby. “Isn’t he too heavy for you?” the woman kindly asked. “No, ma’am” replied the good boy; “he is my brother.” The woman was greatly surprised at the idea that this heavy child was not heavy for him simply because that he was his brother.

Fr. Ciswan De Croos.

Marian year. Having confidence in you O Mother of God, I shall be saved; being under your protection, I shall fear nothing; with your help, I shall give battle to my enemies and put them to flight; for devotion to you is an arm of salvation. (St. Peter Damian)