Gospel: June 16, 2025
June 16, 2025 (Monday)
11th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 3 / (Green)
Ps 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4
The Lord has made known his salvation.
1st Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Gospel: Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard, that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other. If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give him your coat as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give when asked, and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you.
Reflection:
“A law of generous love.”
The law of the Gospel is a law of generous love. It draws us in the opposite direction of meanness and revenge. In the Gospel passage Jesus quotes the Old Testament law “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” (Ex 21:23-27). This sounds quite harsh, but, in fact, it was an attempt to rein in unrestrained retaliation. Its aim was to fit the punishment with the crime. However, Christ calls us to the way of love, to act with mercy and not simply cold justice. And so, in each example, the Christian is called to give more so as to overcome evil with goodness (Rom 12:21), and to support others in need with generosity and love, rather than refusing to help or giving in to their request only grudgingly. In this way, we act as “God’s helpers,” or as collaborators in the building of God’s Kingdom, a Kingdom of “justice, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom 14:17). Generous love is not always appreciated. Saint Paul testifies to many trials and sufferings for Christ, but he suffers gladly that he might “enrich many” by bringing Christ’s love into their lives.
