"A law of generous love"

 "law of love" emphasizes loving God and others as fundamental to Christian life.

Instead of worrying about giving more than you can afford,

understand that the more you give, the more you will receive.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

2 Corinthians 6:1-10

Being God's helpers,

We beg you: let it not be in vain that you received this grace of God. Scripture says:

At the favorable time I listened to you, on the day of salvation I helped you.

This is the favorable time; this is the day of salvation.

We are concerned not to give anyone an occasion to stumble or criticize our mission.

Instead, we prove we are true ministers of God in every way by our endurance in so many trials,

in hardships, afflictions, floggings, imprisonment, riots, fatigue, sleepless nights and days of hunger.

 

People can notice, in our upright life, knowledge, patience and kindness, action of the Holy Spirit,

sincere love, words of truth, and power of God. So we fight with the weapons of justice, to attack, as well as to defend.

Sometimes, we are honored, at other times, insulted; we receive criticism as well as praise. We are regarded as liars,

although we speak the truth; as unknown, though we are well known; as dead, and yet we live.

Punishments come upon us, but we have not, as yet, been put to death. We appear to be afflicted,

yet always joyful; we seem to be poor, but we enrich many; we have nothing, but we possess everything!

 

Ps 98:1, 2b, 3ab, 3cd-4 The Lord has made known his salvation.

 

＊＊＊ 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.

 

Gospel 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.