Breaking the Word

11^th Week in Ord. Time, Monday – 19^th June 2023 — Gospel: Mt 5,38-42

Call to be Benevolent

The old eye-for-an-eye commandment made two positive contributions: it checked wild revenge, and it taught justice. Actually, the Old Testament references (Ex 21,24; Lev 24,20; Deut 19,21) are concerned about the punishment that should not exceed the injury done. But, Jesus then insists that disciples should abandon the idea of retribution altogether and not retaliate against an evil person. For this purpose, Jesus puts five cases wherein the disciples should not passively submit to injustice, but respond in a creative, non-violent way manifesting Christian meekness. Jesus makes the love of God as the fundamental command, on which all else stands to spread their wings. Love is not envious and does not take offense and retaliate (1 Cor 13,4-7). Jesus encourages his followers to respond with disproportionate kindness, promoting the good with generosity and benevolence. For benevolence, which is the glory of the divine nature, and the perfection of the human, rejoices in doing good forever.

Immaculate Heart of Mary, Saturday – 17^th June 2023 – 2 Cor 5,14-21; Lk 2,41-51

Reflective Mother

Mary revealed her Immaculate Heart of love when she challenged Jesus in the temple, while Jesus stayed back and when she and Joseph looked for him. She lovingly embraced Jesus even though she also asked why He had done what He did. At the same time, like any other mother experiencing the challenges of a child growing up, we are told Mary too, “kept all these things in her heart.” Reflection is a process in which we take the time to see what God is doing in our lives. Mary spent a lot of time in contemplation, thinking about her role in the life of Jesus, her Son. She realized that she was both mother and caretaker of Jesus as an earthly ambassador of God and she was also a disciple and follower of her Son in His ministry. She reflected on and treasured all of what Jesus did and Who he was (2,51). She is a perfect model for us in being a disciple of her Son and ambassador of Christ to others.