Monday June 15, 2009 of the 11th week in Ordinary Time

Monday June 15, 2009
Readings: 2 Corinthians 6: 1-10 Psalm 98: 1-4 Matthew 5: 38- 42
Response: “The Lord has made known His saving power”

Paul’s original letters to the Thessalonians, were circulated throughout his ministerial arena so his thoughts on other subjects was well known in areas other than Thessalonica.
In this letter to the Corinthians he alludes to some of his previous teachings regarding the time when Christ will arrive again.
Here he tells them not to wait, doing nothing, as NOW is the acceptable time, NOW is the day of salvation for us all.
By putting into practice the attributes he recommends, they will be prepared at any time the Lord may call. Not satisfied with a few examples, Paul details most of the attributes he expects his converts to display in their daily lives. By making them part of their regular routine, they will be able to appear before the Lord sinless and beautiful in His eyes.

If we’re familiar with the Liturgy of the Hours, the Psalm for today is repeated almost daily by those who practice and pray with the rest of the religious of Catholicity. Truly, all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of the Lord.

Jesus seems to say we are to be non aggressive in our dealings with others. Not only do we not seek revenge but we are to offer to go the extra mile to help another, even an enemy to his salvation.
It’s a hard principle! We tend to lash out when we’re attached. However, Jesus wants us to be meek and mild. By doing so, we pile coals on the heads of our adversary and perhaps give him pause to reflect on his own actions.