Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": 7th Sunday Ordinary

Readings

Lv 19:1-2, 17-18 Be holy, for I, the Lord, am holy. Don't bear hatred in your heart. Cherish no grudge. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10, 12-13 "The Lord is kind and merciful." Bless the Lord who pardons, redeems, heals, shows compassion and mercy.

1 Cor 3:16-23 You're God's holy temple; the Spirit dwells in you. If you consider yourself wise, become a fool; the world's wisdom is foolishness to God. Don't boast about people; we belong to you, you to Christ, and Christ to God.

Mt 5:38-48 You've heard, Eye for eye and tooth for tooth, but I tell you, Offer the wicked no resistance. Turn the other cheek. Hand over your cloak. Go an extra mile. Give and lend. You've heard, Love your neighbor, but I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for your persecutors, that you may be your Father's children. Be perfect like your Father.

Pope Francis

Homily: God calls us to “be holy” and “be perfect.” Holiness is the fruit of docility to the Spirit who can transform us and support our witness. Don't repay others the evil they've done us, and seek to do good to them. Love those who don't deserve it, and fill the emptiness in hearts, relationships, families, communities, and the world. Mercy is the only way out of sin. You are God’s holy temple; celebrate in it the liturgy of goodness, forgiveness, service, and love. When the least of our brothers and sisters find a place in our hearts, God finds a place there. A heart without love is like a church withdrawn from God’s service.

Angelus: Work for Christian unity; communities belong to Christ, not preachers. Through baptism we all have the dignity of God's children. Unity in Christ is more important than conflict.

Yesterday's homily with new Cardinals: Jesus is walking ahead of us, leading the way; our joy is to follow him. In the gospel Jesus is often walking, teaching along the way. He didn't teach philosophy but a way; we learn by walking with Jesus. It's not comfortable because he chose the way of the Cross. We know the Cross is our hope, but as humans we can fear it and become indignant like Peter. Along the way, Jesus stops and calls the apostles to himself. Allow Jesus to call us to himself; listen and become more of one heart and soul, gathered around him.

Reflections

Creighton: It’s the little things. Pay attention to details; God is in them. I can turn the other cheek and love my enemies every day.

One Bread One Body: Don't think the Sermon on the Mount as symbolic; Jesus literally turned the other cheek, handing over his garments and walking the extra mile to be crucified. Will I imitate the crucified Christ?