The WORD
today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/061517.cfm)
reminds me that God wants me to have a higher standard as I live.
In some schools, there is an
honors class. The brightest students of the batch are gathered in one class.
Usually, teachers expect more from them. They have more difficult examinations,
homework and projects. Sometimes, they have different or more advanced lessons
too. This is why participants in competitions are usually taken from this
class.
God
wants us to be in this class - on our spiritual life.
In the gospel, Jesus tells us
that God wants more from us. Like the students in the honors class, we are
subjected to the same things as all human beings. However, just as the
expectations from the honor students are higher, God also expects more from us who are following Him. God
expects more from his children.
Killing
is bad, we all know that. But in the gospel, Jesus tells us that even just
getting angry is bad – because it can eventually grow into something more,
which could eventually lead into killing. God wants a higher standard for us,
that instead of just not killing, we should not allow ourselves to be tempted
into even thinking of that. This is not just with killing – it is true with other
aspects of our lives as well, with our prayer life, almsgiving, forgiveness,
chastity, and concern for others.
In the gospel, we also see that
before offering anything to God, we should first reconcile with others who we
have conflict with. This means that God wants us to come to him clean and in the best possible state we can. God is more concerned with our
heart rather than our offering to him. We can fast and offer sacrifices, but if
we hold grudges against others, if we keep ill feelings, and if we withhold
expressions of love to others, then our fasting will not be as pleasing to
him. Again, higher standards for us, his children.
May we be inspired to have
higher standards of living for God, and be up for the challenge of
living it. Just as the students in the honors class are usually sent to
competitions, may we be ready and willing to prepare, so God can send us to
spread his love and kingdom on earth.
Father God,
Thank you for
today. Thank you for another day to live. thank you for another day to
experience your love. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, sorry for the times I
do not follow this. Sorry for being lazy and complacent. Lord, I ask that you
help me live in a way you want me to. Help me live with higher standards, not
to show that I am better than others, but to tell you just how much I love you.
Help me be ready and willing to go the extra mile, to do the extra actions, so
my life would be more pleasing to you. Help me and use me to build your kingdom
on earth. amen.
Blessed
day!
In
Christ,
-g-
Thursday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 362
Reading 12 COR 3:15—4:1, 3-6
To this day, whenever Moses is read,
a veil lies over the hearts of the children of Israel,
but whenever a person turns to the Lord the veil is removed.
Now the Lord is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is,
there is freedom.
All of us, gazing with unveiled face on the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,
as from the Lord who is the Spirit.
Therefore, since we have this ministry through the mercy shown us,
we are not discouraged.
And even though our Gospel is veiled,
it is veiled for those who are perishing,
in whose case the god of this age
has blinded the minds of the unbelievers,
so that they may not see the light of the Gospel
of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
For we do not preach ourselves but Jesus Christ as Lord,
and ourselves as your slaves for the sake of Jesus.
For God who said, Let light shine out of darkness,
has shone in our hearts to bring to light
the knowledge of the glory of God
on the face of Jesus Christ.
Responsorial PsalmPS 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14
I will hear what God proclaims;
the LORD–for he proclaims peace to his people.
Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him,
glory dwelling in our land.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
Kindness and truth shall meet;
justice and peace shall kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice shall look down from heaven.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.
R. The glory of the Lord will dwell in our land.
AlleluiaJN 13:34
I give you a new commandment:
love one another as I have loved you.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
GospelMT 5:20-26
"I tell you, unless your righteousness surpasses that
of the scribes and Pharisees,
you will not enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
"You have heard that it was said to your ancestors,
You shall not kill; and whoever kills will be liable to judgment.
But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother
will be liable to judgment,
and whoever says to his brother,
Raqa, will be answerable to the Sanhedrin,
and whoever says, 'You fool,' will be liable to fiery Gehenna.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar,
and there recall that your brother
has anything against you,
leave your gift there at the altar,
go first and be reconciled with your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.
Settle with your opponent quickly while on the way to court with him.
Otherwise your opponent will hand you over to the judge,
and the judge will hand you over to the guard,
and you will be thrown into prison.
Amen, I say to you,
you will not be released until you have paid the last penny."
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