Connections between today's Bible readings, clothing, music, life...; a challenge to dress our own lives (Col 3:12-14)
June 15, 2017
June 15
June 15, 2017: Thursday, 10th week, Ordinary Time
'Peace sign' tie bar: The Lord proclaims peace; justice and peace shall kiss (psalm); make peace (gospel)
'Dove' pin: Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there's freedom (1st reading)
'Jesus' pin: We preach Jesus Christ as Lord (1st reading)
'Street light' tie bar: God who said, Let light shine... (1st reading)
'Hearts' suspenders: ...has shone in our hearts... (1st reading); love your neighbor (gospel)
'Joker' tie: Whoever says, 'You fool' will be liable to Gehenna (gospel)
Joker-trumped 'scales of justice' tie: If you're not reconciled, your opponent will hand you over to the judge... (gospel); justice and peace shall kiss (psalm)
Penny in change purse (I forgot my 'penny' button): "You won't be released till you've paid the last penny.” (gospel)
Corruption breaks down our relationships with God, neighbor, and the world. It's the worst scourge of societies and the lifeblood of criminal organizations. It's the origin of all exploitation and trafficking of people, drugs, and weapons. It's at the heart of all injustice, lack of development, unemployment, and social degradation.
This book exposes the ramifications of corruption and the way it can tempt us all in our political, economic, cultural, or spiritual lives. The spirit of worldliness can corrupt us all, harden our hearts, and make us indifferent to those around us. Corruption is a curse and cancer that can consume us; combat it!
2 Cor 3:15—4:1, 3-6When Moses is read, a veil lies over the Israelites' hearts, but when you turn to the Lord, the veil is removed. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there's freedom. We who gaze on the Lord's glory are transformed into his image. We preach Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for his sake. God has shone in us to bring his glory to light.
Ps 85:9ab, 10-14"The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land." God proclaims peace to his people. His salvation is near to those who fear him. Kindness and truth shall meet, justice and peace kiss....
Mt 5:20-26“Unless your righteousness surpasses the scribes', you won't enter the Kingdom. Your ancestors heard, "You shall not kill," but I tell you, whoever is angry will be liable to judgment. If you bring your gift to the altar and recall your brother has anything against you, leave your gift, be reconciled, then return and offer your gift. Settle with your opponent quickly, or else you'll be imprisoned till you've paid the last penny.”
Creighton: My garden never prospered because I didn't maintain it. Our challenge is the same: committing to upkeep. We get off track if our intentions and actions don’t line up. Reconciliation is more than contrition; we need to align our thoughts and actions, to walk the walk. If my relationships with others aren't in order, how can I have a rich relationship with God? In the 1st reading we're asked to turn to God so we can see better. God asks us to be persistent in our relationships....
One Bread, One Body: "One good turn": Because of our sinful nature, a veil obstructs our understanding of Scripture, but when we turn to Jesus and the Spirit, the veil is removed. Turning our lives over to the Lord is our only hope. "Turn to me and be safe, for I am God; there is no other!"
DailyScripture.net: "Be reconciled...": God warned Cain: Why are you angry? Sin is at the door, but you must master it. Sin grows as a seed in our heart and chokes us if not uprooted. Jesus addressed the issue of keeping the commandments with his disciples. Jesus: unless evil desires are eradicated, we'll be corrupted. He points to forbidden anger, selfish, long-lived anger that nurses grudges. The antidote is mercy, kindness, and forbearance from a loving, forgiving heart. In the cross we see the supreme example of love and forgiveness. Only God's love and grace can free us from the tyranny of pride and revenge. Am I quick to be reconciled? Through the Spirit may we overcome evil with good, hatred with kindness, and injury with pardon.
May I be no one's enemy; may I be the friend of what's eternal. May I never quarrel: and if I do, may I be reconciled quickly. May I love, seek, and attain only what's good. May I wish for the happiness of all and envy none. May I never rejoice in the ill fortune of one who's wronged me. When I've done or said what's wrong, may I never wait for others' rebuke but rebuke myself and make amends. May I win no victory that harms my opponent or me. May I reconcile friends who are angry with each other. May I never fail a friend in danger. May I soften the pain of those in grief. May I respect myself. May I keep tame what rages within me. May I be gentle, never angry with people because of circumstances. May I never discuss who's wicked and what they've done, but know good people and follow in their footsteps. (Eusebius)
Corruption breaks down our relationships with God, neighbor, and the world. It's the worst scourge of societies and the lifeblood of criminal organizations. It's the origin of all exploitation and trafficking of people, drugs, and weapons. It's at the heart of all injustice, lack of development, unemployment, and social degradation.
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