Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A
February 20, 2011
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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 (Mt 22:39), that is, to love one’s neighbor as oneself (see Lev 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 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?
- 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