Monday, June 15, 2015

2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Psalm 98:1-4, Matthew 5:38-42

DAILY HOLY MASS READINGS

2 Corinthians 6:1-10, Psalm 98:1-4, Matthew 5:38-42

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

My Beloved, the words of St. Paul in reference to himself, and to those who help in spreading the Good News, must be the reference for each and every Christian. At a favorable time, at a time of your choosing, You called us from darkness into Your own glorious light. It was Your grace that enabled us to choose Your free gift of salvation. 

As Your followers we have an obligation not to give anyone reason to criticize us, or cause others to falter in the faith, despite any difficulty we may face. Because we are Christians we are called to have courage and continue boldly to live our faith despite any negative consequences.

When people in the world look at us they must see that we are bearers of Your light, wisdom and truth. We are called to always be kind and gentle, patient and upright even in the face of grave injustice.  It ought not to matter whether we are praised or insulted, honored or ignored, if we have plenty or are in want. In all things You are the reason for our joy and peace and so we rejoice.

Psalm 98:1-4

My Beloved, we are called to be a people of joyful praise. God has revealed His love to us. He has saved us. He gave us a Savior, a Redeemer, who paid the price. The justice of God demanded that the penalty of sin be paid but we could never it and so we were lost to our Creator forever. 

But God found a way - You are the Way that brought us back to the Father, reconciling us to Him and making it possible once again, to live in the freedom that You have purchased for us on the Cross. All nations have seen Gods work of salvation; the power of God that broke the chains of slavery and set us free, making us children of God.

Matthew 5:38-42

My Beloved, You gave Your disciples a radical new way of living. The world demands a justice that requires payment for wrongs done, in like manner but You put an end to the kind of justice meted out in the world. 

You command us to seek justice in a new way - no longer an eye for an eye or a tooth for a tooth, rather, we are to pay hatred with love. If someone strikes us we are not to return blow for blow but offer the other cheek which stops the violence. To give more than we are expected to and never to refuse to give what is asked for. In this way we witness to the world that we are peace makers and children of the Light. 

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