Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time
I’ll reread this morning’s Gospel slowly and examine myself for how I can realistically put into practice what Jesus tells me to do, namely, to live with a more selflessness concern for myself and a more conscious awareness of those who come each day into my life.
I can’t deny what is real. There are people I encounter daily whom I wish would be given the same ticket as illegal aliens. Then, I recall that while Jesus was on the cross, he prayed for those who put him there, and there is no one in my life that could possibly put me on a similar cross. Also, I am a part of Christ’s body, the Church, and therefore, those I sometimes find obnoxious are in reality my brothers and sisters, and this is a fact I should never forget. Also, in doing so, they become less obnoxious
The final paragraph in today’s Gospel sums it all up. After saying, “Be merciful as your Father is merciful,” Christ tells me how to live in the spirit of Our Father: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us …”
Resolve: As a help for contemplating today’s Gospel, I shall reflect on the Psalm said in the Mass: “Bless the Lord (that is our heavenly father),” and I shall ask Jesus to keep reminding me “As a Father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”