Thursday 10 September 2020

Today is Thursday the 10 September in the 23rd week of Ordinary Time.  

The St Thomas Music Group sing Mysterium Amoris by Margaret Rizza, from a text by John Main: The meaning of life is the mystery of Love. Just as the roots of trees hold firm in the soil, so it is the roots of love that hold the ground of our being together.  

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.  

Luke 6:27-36

  ‘But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you. ‘If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.    

Some believe that Christianity has become so embedded in western culture that we almost take it for granted. Our sense of social responsibility, of discerning right and wrong, can seem very biblical. Are you aware of this in your community, do you find it easy to balance spiritual teaching with the moral code of the culture that you live in?  

Jesus reverses everything our human nature expects to be find right and fitting. To love without compromise, to make extravagant kindnesses, to demand something more from ourselves. This is the love that God has for us, the daily gestures of grace that God offers to us, the mercies that we do not deserve. Extravagantly given.  

As you listen to the reading again, imagine yourself hearing this teaching and share your response with the Lord. Let him know where you are challenged and allow him to guide you and reassure you.  

‘Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High,’  I am called to something more.  Can I let myself be open to the invitation to be a child of the Most High?  

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.