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September 11, 2014

This is one of the hardest teachings in the bible! Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who treat you badly! As human beings we immediately say this is very hard to do. But as followers of Christ, we need to trust and obey him by having a total change of attitude and way of thinking and behaving when dealing with others and establishing relationships.

Our personal struggle with this teaching was challenged when we had an experience with one of our relatives who owed us a substantial amount of money from way back and had no intention of paying the debt. Although hurt, nevertheless, we forgave him and our relationship improved. Recently, this relative fell into a financial trouble again and needed money for his children’s tuition.

We were willing to help, but since he did not simplify his lifestyle even if he is in a bind, common sense seemed to dictate to us to stop helping him. But being Christians, we must not only help in material things but also and more importantly with his conversion from the old life of bad habits to a reformed one of doing God’s will. Condemnation will not change things; only love and care.
We will only be able to love our enemies if we let Jesus live in our hearts. Jesus loved us unconditionally. Nobody is perfect, us included. We need God’s grace and mercy to be humble and to do his will.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 30, Issue 5

<< Thursday, September 11, 2014 >>

1 Corinthians 8:1-7, 11-13
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Psalm 139:1-3, 13-14, 23-24

Luke 6:27-38
Similar Reflections

DRESSING DOWN WITH JESUS

"When you sin thus against your brothers and wound their weak consciences, you are sinning against Christ." —1 Corinthians 8:12

Today's first reading teaches about giving up your personal freedoms for the good of the rest of the members of the Body of Christ. One aspect of personal liberty which needs to be submitted to the will of God is modesty in dress. Do we dress our way or God's way?

Jesus "dresses down" in the Eucharist. He humbly appears as bread. If He appeared in His full glory, we would catch on fire and melt. Many young women, and some older ones, often dress in such a way that men catch on fire and melt. It's especially a problem when a female dresses immodestly in Church. Young and old men who come to a holy place to try to grow in holiness are instead tempted to catch fire and burn (see 1 Cor 7:9) — at the very place where they shouldn't have to be anxious about being tempted.

Women of Christ, your adornment should not be an external one but rather an internal one (see 1 Pt 3:3ff). Make sure that you don't become a stumbling block to any member of the Body of Christ (1 Cor 8:9). Immodest dress, especially in Church, undermines the atmosphere of holiness in the house of God as He brings His family together.

Jesus' body is presented humbly at Mass. Let us likewise present our bodies humbly and simply to Him. Let us do all we do, including clothing ourselves, for the glory of God (1 Cor 10:31).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are my Master (Rm 14:7). This is my body, to be given up for You.

Promise: "Be compassionate, as your Father is compassionate." —Lk 6:36

Praise: Melissa coordinates fashion shows which model modest yet fashionable women's clothing, so that her teenage daughters and other young women will be encouraged to dress modestly.