Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

"You have heard that it was said,
You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” – Matthew 5:43-44

 

The readings for Mass on February 19, 2017 are particularly convicting for me.  When it comes to religion and politics, I often posture myself into a mode where I am right and I have to prove to you that I am right without regard for how you feel because I am safely tucked away behind my computer.  But most of all, what is missing from my online behavior is general care and compassion for my fellow man when I take to arguing for the day. 

 

The Church gives us guidance for our behavior by re-affirming that right and wrong do exist and we have a responsibility to discern and do right.  This particular Sunday, the Church prays with us for this particular intention through the Collect prayer of the Mass:  Grant, we pray, almighty God, that, always pondering spiritual things, we may carry out in both word and deed that which is pleasing to you.  The opening prayer of the Mass this weekend asks us all to call to mind that we pray to God for the strength and courage to do right. 

 

The Old Testament reading often prefigures the Gospel thematically.  I believe that the Church is reminding us all of the universal call to sanctity.  The Lord speaks to Moses and he speaks to us:  “Be holy, for I, the LORD, your God, am holy.”  I believe most Christians can accept this with relative ease, even though the practice may be a bit lacking.  What is more revealing is when the Lord tells Moses and the Israelites (and us) that “You shall not bear hatred for your brother or sister in your heart…Take no revenge and cherish no grudge…You shall love your neighbor as yourself…”  Why does it seem so difficult to reconcile this mercy to the Lord as described in the Old Testament as opposed to the ‘eye for an eye’ God of vengeance?  I contend that God has always been merciful, it is us who tire of receiving his mercy. 

 

The Gospel for this Sunday is a continuation of the Sermon on the Mount.  Jesus is calling to mind well regarded passages of the Old Testament.  Jesus calls attention to the common practice in disputes and then responds with how to respond in full accord with the law.  The Lord told Moses to take no revenge and Jesus gives his audience, and us, a practical way to love our neighbors in a practical, and sometimes sacrificial, way.  Jesus even offers an explanation of why this teaching is necessary.  Character and reputation is often built on how we treat people.  J.K. Rowling gives us this great little piece in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, “If you want to what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”  Jesus points out that we are no different from anyone else if we only love those who love us.  Where is the charity in reservation?  Be perfect.  Be holy. 

 

Paul gives an interesting take on holiness.  Because we belong to God, we are called to be holy.  Paul tells me particularly, “If any one among you considers himself wise in this age, let him become a fool, so as to become wise.  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in the eyes of God.”  While not in this week’s reading, Paul goes on in his letter and declares that God’s foolishness is greater than all the wisdom of the world. 

 

This hit me particular because I like to prove that I’m right.  Argue until I win or my opponent concedes.  I especially struggle with being told I am wrong.  Heaven forbid if I am told I am wrong, and then it is proven.  Pride cometh before the fall as the book of Proverbs tells me.  In the future may I be more open to listening rather than arguing.  May God give me a heart for dialogue and not political conquest.  And through the intercession of Saint Francis, may I seek to understand more than I seek to be understood.