LARRY BRODING

Love Your Enemies

Video  | 1st Reading | Psalm  | 2nd Reading | Gospel

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

How hard is it to respect people that you detest?

Face it. We don’t like everyone we meet and many people don’t like us. It’s the way of the world. But, as Christians, we are called to a higher code of conduct. While we have hurt or broken relationships, even people have to “love” from a distance, how we treat them speaks volumes about our faith and our character. The trick for these distant people is to keep the door of reconciliation open. Maybe, someday, there will be forgiveness and healing. If we cannot give these people friendship, at least we can pray for them. If we must keep our distance for our own mental health, at least we can hope for a change of heart.

In these next passages, Jesus spoke of Christian justice, not the justice of retribution, but the justice of the Kingdom. Not an “eye for an eye” but a way to show others the path to God. He shows us the way to love.

How can you show others Christ? How can your words and deeds increase love in your world?

Children’s Reading | Catechism Link | Family Activity

SOURCE: WORD-SUNDAY © Larry Broding

VINCE CONTRERAS

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A) 

1. 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?
2. n the 2nd Reading, what is the basis of our dignity in the Lord (verse 16)? In the context of verse 17 and Mt 5:48, how should we conduct ourselves?
3. 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?
4. 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?
5. What “enemies” has God given you to love? How can you love them? Why does he command you to love them?

Catechism of the Catholic Church

§§ 1693, 1825, 1933, 1968, 2013, 2054, 2262, 2303, 2443, 2608, 2844

OVERVIEW OF THE GOSPEL (PDF)

DON SCHWAGER

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

SOURCE: Sunday Scripture Study for Catholics

MICHAEL MARCHAL

Love of Neighbor

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

BACKGROUND: Once more Jesus teaches us how his new Law of love goes beyond the old Law of rules and commandments. The command to love our neighbors was part of the Mosaic Law; the difference is that now we are called to live not only by our own efforts but in “the convincing power of the Spirit.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. When have others treated you unjustly or disrespectfully? How did you respond?
2. When have you treated others unjustly or disrespectfully? Why?
3. Jesus suggests other courses of action that are perhaps challenging but are what is expected of those who live in God’s kingdom/reign. Which part of his advice is directly addressed to you?
4. Which people in our church or society are stereotyped as unworthy of respect, as throw-away people? What could your parish community do to make a sense of respect for everyone part of your parish culture?

Practice: Whom do you need to ask for forgiveness? Although the relationship may not be broken, how can you seek healing? Remember: we ask for forgiveness, humbly and politely; and, if we receive it, it is a gift. Do so as soon as possible, for everyone’s sake.

SOURCE: TEAM RCIA

ANNE OSDIECK

The Extremism of Charity

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

1. Why would Jesus tell you to “Love your enemies?” Who can do that? Did Jesus tell us about a new revolutionary kind of acting when he showed us how to love our enemies? How far was he willing to go for them with his radical self-emptying? How far was the Father willing to go for his children?

2. Pope Francis speaks about the “extremism of charity.” Why does he say it is the heart of the Gospel?

… Having been touched by love, we are called to love without waiting for others to love first. … Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. This is the Christian innovation. It is the Christian difference. Pray and love: this is what we must do; and not only with regard to those who love us, not only with regard to our friends or our own people. The love of Jesus knows no boundaries or barriers. The Lord demands of us the courage to have a love that does not count the cost. … Yet his commandment of love is not simply a challenge; it is the very heart of the Gospel. Where the command of universal love is concerned, let us not accept excuses or preach prudent caution. The Lord was not cautious; he did not yield to compromises. He asks of us the extremism of charity. This is the only legitimate kind of Christian extremism: the extremism of love.

Pope Francis homily for 7 Sun Ord A 2020

MORE QUESTIONS

SOURCE: Sunday Web Site – Saint Louis University

MONIKA KORZEC

The grace of….

7th Sunday in Ordinary Time (A)

Click on Link Above to Go To Micro Retreat

Take a weekly break from the business of life and enjoy a mini do-it-yourself Sunday Retreat. These retreats are based on Sunday’s reading and prompt reflection questions that you may want to think about. It is a good idea to keep a personal journal in which reflections that stood out for you are recorded. The outcome of those Sunday Micro Retreats is good material that you can talk about in your spiritual direction.

SOURCE: CONTEMPLATIVE RETREAT | Recent Retreats