CatholicJules.net

We who call ourselves Christians are called to a higher standard often exceeding social norms. Simply because we are children of God and are called to holiness. And we can succeed because we have been inserted into the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ of Whom we draw our strength, our nourishment, our life.

When evil once ruled in our lives and our hearts, whom did we see as the enemy? It was often the people sent by God to help us. Not that we didn’t view almost everyone as our enemy but these seem a little more bothersome. It was harder to figure them out, what drove them? Why were they even nice to us? Praise the Lord for those who didn’t give up on us and kept us in their prayers.

Let us always strive to love everyone with the love of Christ and may His redemptive mercy and love us be with us all the days of our lives. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 21:17–29

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:43–48

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

Worldly desires often beckons us to heed it’s call, sometimes with soft whispers other times with loud piercing cries and thumping echoes. Giving in can sometimes lead us to do whatever it takes to obtain what we desire. The hefty price of blood spilled, broken relationships, families, even the damaging of property is of little consequence for those consumed with jealousy, envy and want. Let our ears only hear God’s Word. Let us not be of the World, but God’s holy children.

Victims of injustice are called not to allow the poison of revenge or unjust retribution, infect their minds and their hearts. It does mean they are to remain silent and withhold their cry for justice. It is to turn the other cheek in their hearts to allow God’s mercy to fill them so that in turn they too are merciful.

Our heavenly Father provides for all that we have. If something is unlawfully taken away from us, will He not provide for us again? For as freely as we receive, as freely we should give. For we walk with our Lord and He walks with us. Amen

FIRST READING
1 Kings 21:1–16

GOSPEL
Matthew 5:38–42

Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said, An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, 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.”