DAILY- HOMILY

JUNE 17, 2013
MONDAY 11TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YR I

2 Cor 6:1-10 / Ps 98: 1. 2b. 3ab. 3cd-4 / Mt 5:38-42

2 Corinthians 6:1-10
Being God's helpers we beg you: let it not be in vain that you received this grace of God. Scripture says: At the favorable time I listened to you, on the day of salvation I helped you. This is the favorable time, this is the day of salvation. We are concerned not to give anyone an occasion to stumble or criticize our mission. Instead we prove we are true ministers of God in every way by our endurance in so many trials, in hardships, afflictions, floggings, imprisonment, riots, fatigue, sleepless nights and days of hunger. People can notice in our upright life, knowledge, patience and kindness, action of the Holy Spirit, sincere love, words of truth and power of God. So we fight with the weapons of justice, to attack as well as to defend. Sometimes we are honored, at other times insulted; we receive criticism as well as praise. We are regarded as liars although we speak the truth; as unknown though we are well known; as dead and yet we live. Punishments come upon us but we have not, as yet, been put to death. We appear to be afflicted, yet always joyful; we seem to be poor, but we enrich many; we have nothing, but we possess everything!

Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you this: do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn and offer the other. If someone sues you in court for your shirt, give him your coat as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go two miles with him. Give when asked, and do not turn your back on anyone who wants to borrow from you.

REFLECTION
For some reason, the gospel today brings to mind an old catchphrase spouted by Susan Powter, a motivational speaker/personal trainer/author and TV personality back in the 1990s – "Stop the insanity!!!"

In this same gospel, Jesus instructs us that instead of answering a wrongdoing with "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth," he asks us "not to oppose evil with evil" or when slapped, "to turn the other cheek," and so on and so forth. Now, at face value, it seems like Jesus is asking you to answer an injustice by allowing the abuser to abuse you even more by turning the other cheek, giving one's coat or walking that extra mile.

But actually, given the culture and the nature of when, where and for whom this gospel was written, what comes to light is this: when an evil is done to us, Jesus asks us not to answer with another evil act. Turning the other cheek, offering the coat, and going the extra mile instead, empowers us to "stop the insanity" or to stop the cycle of evil. Think about it. Who will look more foolish? The abuser who preys on the weaker one, or the abused who chooses not to respond with violence when violated?

Point to ponder: Have you ever been in a situation where you were treated badly, but instead of responding with the same kind of maltreatment, you opted not to respond? How did that turn out for you?

PRAYER REQUESTS
We pray …
… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.
… for the speedy recovery and healing of
- Elizabeth Lim
- Lydia, Jennette & Kevin Francis Christian Pe
- Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Virginia Hernandez, and Fleur Torres
- Nick Lucena
… for the personal intentions of
- Jose Rigor, Maria Fatima Nona and Ernesto
- JP
… for the eternal repose of the souls of
- Alejandro Lecaros, Ramon Torres, Pilar David
- Eduardo Co Chua
Eternal rest grant unto them and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they and all the dearly departed rest in peace.
… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.
- Wedding Anniversary: Dante & Mariza Cenido
… for families who are in need of healing
… for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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