The Lord’s teaching in Luke’s Gospel has powerful consequences for our spiritual lives. When we love – especially in difficult moments of conflict – we embrace the grace of Christ and live the gift of life at full power. This is not an easy teaching! The Lord, however, is always near to help us put his love into practice.
We’ve all done it. We’ve all said things that we regret and wish we could unsay…because of the damage and pain they have called. The Letter of James reminds us all to tame our tongue!
The example of our lives (our “works”) reveals our faith. This fruitfulness of our actions expresses our love for Christ. May our faith shine forth in the works we do as we offer our lives today.
The Letter of James uses a compelling example about how we can fall into the trap of partiality. May we recognize partiality when it is present, and call upon the Lord to help us see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ.
All of us face temptations of different types and intensities throughout our lives. James exhorts us to persevere…hang in there! God gives us the grace to face them.
During the next two weeks before Lent begins, the first reading at daily Mass will offer selections from the Letter of James. The introduction today will highlight some of the key themes that help us as we follow the Lord.
Here are some of the themes in the readings for the 7th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – 1st Samuel 26:2,7-9,12-13,22-23
While trying to kill David, Saul is asleep and unattended when David comes upon him.
David spares Saul’s life, offering clear proof of his mercy.
Psalm – 103:1-4,8,10,12-13
“The Lord is kind and merciful.”
God, who is merciful and gracious, has compassion on us and pardons all our sins.
2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 15:45-49
Paul contrasts the first man, Adam, with Jesus (the last Adam) to highlight the natural and the spiritual.
By becoming like us, Christ unites our nature to his and restores what was lost by sin.
Gospel – Luke 6:27-38
The “Golden Rule” (Do to others as you would have them do to you) is highlighted in this passage in a number of ways: love one’s enemies, share or lend with those in need, stop judging, forgive one another.
“For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
The prophet Jeremiah reminds us that what we cultivate in our hearts will flourish in our lives. May we have the courage to take stock of the crop we find within and assess if it is worthy of the Lord.
Three Great Things 