Ord.Time Wk 11th: Monday 15th June, 2020 June 15, 2020

Reflection on the WORD

Justice and Mercy: In today’s Gospel, Jesus denounces revenge, as they do not bring any reconciliation and peace to any persons.  He proclaims, “offer no resistance to the wicked”.  In doing so, Jesus is advocating the virtues of mercy and compassion toward those who harm and hurt us, as He has shown us. 

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9 Days Novena Prayers to Sacred Heart of Jesus starts from Thursday 11th June 2020, leading to Solemnity of Sacred Heart on Friday 19th June 2020.

SACRED HEART OF JESUS NOVENA PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, the needs of your people open your heart in love to each of us. You care for us when we are lost, sympathise with us in lonliness and comfort us in mourning; you are closest to us when we are at our weakest. You love us most when we love ourselves least; you forgive us most when we forgive ourselves least; you call us to spread your love in whatever way we can.

Lord Jesus, your heart is moved with compassion when we are suffering, when we need your help, and when we pray for each other. I ask you to listen to my prayer during this novena, and grant what I ask  (make your own request silently).  If what I ask is not for my own good or the good of others, grant me always what is best, that I may build up your Kingdom of love in our world. Amen.

 Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place all my trust in you.

Matthew 5:38-42

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have heard how it was said: Eye for eye and tooth for tooth. But I say this to you: offer no resistance to the wicked. On the contrary, if anyone hits you on the right cheek, offer him the other as well; if someone wishes to go to law with you to get your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone requires you to go one mile, go two miles with him. 

‘Give to anyone who asks you, and if anyone wants to borrow, do not turn away.’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • •Today Jesus turns the Old Testament teaching of “an eye for an eye” on its head and instead teaches that God loves all peoples unconditionally and fully, and so must all of us.
  • •Even when we are justified to “punish” in order to “restore” a hurt caused or an injustice inflicted on us, we are each challenged by Jesus to forgive unconditionally and wholeheartedly so as to win the person back to God. 
  • •Such a love demands that we be as compassionate as Jesus.  Our late Pope John Paul II had such a Christ-like virtue.  Pray for the grace to be able to be more Christ-like.