Here are some of the themes that surface in the readings for the 7th Sunday of the Year.
1st Reading – Leviticus 19:1-2,17-18
The Lord commands Moses to tell the people, “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.”
The Lord continues, saying not to bear hatred for a brother or sister, a fellow citizen or any of one’s own people; rather, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Psalm – 103: 1-4,8,10,12-13
“The Lord is kind and merciful.”
The Lord pardons all our iniquities and heals our ills.
2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 3:16-23
Each of us is a temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in us.
We do not boast in human beings; instead, our focus is on Christ.
Gospel – Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus continues to speak forcefully about exceeding the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees.
The Lord speaks about violence and hating one’s enemies, but then he takes the command to “love your neighbor” and extends it to love of one’s enemies.
The Book of Sirach reminds us to choose wisely as we confront the daily decisions before us. Not only is it crucial what we choose; we are also defined be how we choose to do it.
As God confronts Adam and Eve about their actions, we discern the natural consequences of sin, whereby division arises and separates us from the Lord and one another.
The serpent tempts Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Once they commit this Original Sin, their relationships begin to unravel with God.
The second part of the creation account shows how living creatures (including humanity) came to be. May the gift of life and the beauty of this world help us to humbly and wisely steward the precious gift of life.
Blessed by the Lord, we give glory to Christ when we extend our blessings to those in need. As we alleviate the sufferings of others, our good deeds proclaim the Gospel as we become God’s salt and light in the world.
Three Great Things 