It is perhaps this Sunday\u2019s gospel more than any other that challenges our sometimes lukewarm attitudes and behaviour. How many Christians go to church every week, pray often, proudly profess belief in God, and yet are quick to pass judgement on the politician who supports abortion, react with indignance when they receive poor customer service, or refuse to give alms to a homeless man because they suspect he will spend them on alcohol or drugs?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are like me, you are likely so familiar with the message of this Sunday\u2019s gospel that you often forget its full implications. I invite you to join me in making an examination of conscience with this chapter from Luke:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.\u201d If someone at work or in my family dislikes or even hates me, how do I respond? Do I give them the cold shoulder in return? Or am I patient with them, treating them with respect and offering my help when they need it? Do I still greet them with a smile when I see them? Do I ask them how they are doing and, if they are doing well, am I happy for them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPray for those who abuse you.\u201d How often do I pray for the family members or coworkers who treat me the worst? For government or Church leaders who place unfair restrictions on my rights? And if I pray, do I do so with charity, or is there bitterness or self-righteousness in my prayer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also.\u201d If someone lashes out in anger at me, spreads false rumours about me, or treats me unjustly, do I joyfully accept this opportunity to share in the Cross of Christ and atone for my sins, or do I think of how to take revenge, harbouring resentment or anger?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. [\u2026] If anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again.\u201d If someone steals from me, how do I respond? Do I offer them still more of what I possess, recognizing their need (whether material or spiritual) that drives them to steal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGive to everyone who begs from you. [\u2026] Lend, expecting nothing in return.\u201d If someone in need asks me for money, or asks to borrow something, do I withhold it even if I do not need it to meet my needs? If I am genuinely concerned that a homeless person will abuse my gift, do I offer to buy them lunch instead? Do I ask them their name? If I have nothing, do I promise to pray for them and wish them well? Do I only lend things I expect to get back? Or do I instead give and lend based solely on a person\u2019s genuine need?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.\u201d Do I think the worst of others? Or do I always seek to excuse even their sinful actions as much as possible, assuming the best possible motives on their part? Do I treat people differently when I see them as sinful or simply unlikable?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let us be challenged by this gospel. Let us not be afraid of embracing the full extent of the Good News and living it out without reserve. Taking strength in the Passion and Cross of Jesus Christ, let us lay down our lives not only for our neighbour, but for our enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Andrew Sheedy <\/strong>\u2013 St. Joseph Seminary, Edmonton, Alberta<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fot. Jeremy Yap\/Unsplash.com<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2487,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8,17,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2605","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","category-strona-glowna-najnowsze","category-strona-glowna-slider"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n