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February 20, 2011, Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Love your enemies, pray for your persecuters. (Matthew 5:44-45)

READINGS:

1. Lv 19:1-2, 17-18
2. 1Corinthians 3, 16:2-3
3. Gospel of Matthew 5:38-48        (Readings Here)

REFLECTION: In this Sunday’s reading, we are encouraged to act in ways that don’t make sense.” In the Gospel, for example, Jesus outlines guidelines for living that must have seemed foolish for many. Such things as offer no resistance to injury, if you are sued for your shirt, hand over your coat as well.

PRAYER: Lord, so often we misjudge others. Fill us with a spirit of understanding and take away the spirit of judgment from our hearts.

FAMILY DISCUSSION/ACTIVITY:

Monday: Is there someone you have misjudged? If possible, ask the person for forgiveness.

Tuesday:  Reflect on Jesus’ teaching that we should not return violence for violence. If not, why? If so, why?

Wednesday: Pray the Sorrowful Mysteries of the rosary today and focus on Jesus’ model of forgiveness.

Thursday: Do something loving and kind today for someone who perhaps does not show kindness and love to you.

Friday:  Is there is someone in your life that you want to settle a misunderstanding with, what do you need to do in order to communicate with this person?

Saturday: Read a story or watch a film about someone who “turned the other cheek.” Suggestion, the movie Gandhi.

PRAYER: Lord, fill our hearts from the desire to get even.