H. Romualdus was an abbot who was born about 952 and died in 1027
He brought Emperor Otto III to repentance.
Invitation
May I hereby draw your attention to
the daily reading of the Gospel?
This invitation wants to share with you the joy of the Gospel.
of the Gospel. Everyone, no one except,
can experience that joy by opening their hearts
to the healing power of God’s word.
Available every day.
Considerations
Difficulties and opposition, injustice and aggression can affect enthusiasm and idealism, even in following Jesus. Effort and zeal then fade. One may even be tempted to answer evil with evil. Paul, however, calls for a step up. He devotes himself to purity, insight, patience, goodness, a spirit of holiness and unfeigned love, the word of truth. In this, he receives from God the necessary strength.
FIRST READING II Cor. 6, 1-10
We try to behave as servants of God.
From the second letter of the holy apostle Paul to the Christians of Corinth
Brothers and sisters,
As God’s co-workers, we exhort you :
See to it that you do not receive his grace in vain.
After all, He says :
“In the auspicious time, I have heard you,
on the day of salvation, I have come to your aid.”
Now there is that auspicious time,
today is the day of salvation.
We do not give anyone any offence
so as not to compromise our ministry.
In all circumstances
we try to conduct ourselves
as servants of God
by steadfastly enduring hardship,
distress and misery :
beatings, imprisonment, riots,
overtiredness, lack of sleep, and too little food.
Our recommendation is :
Purity, insight, patience, goodness,
a spirit of holiness and love unfeigned,
the word of truth, the power of God himself.
We fight and defend ourselves with spiritual weapons.
Honour and reproach, praise and slander are our portions:
We are the deceivers who speak the truth,
the unknowns everyone knows ;
we die but remain alive,
we are disciplined but not executed;
we grieve but are always happy ;
we are destitute and make many rich,
ragged, and the world is ours…
INTERLUDIUM Ps. 98(97), 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4
His benefits the Lord made known to us.
Sing to the Lord a new song
because He did wonders.
His hand asserted itself mightily,
the power of His holy arm.
The benefits He made known to us,
His justice to the nations.
Once again His goodness and faithfulness proved
in favour of Israel’s house.
All the earth beheld
what our God did for us.
Glorify the Lord, all nations,
be glad, rejoice and sing.
ALLELUIA John 8, 12
Alleluia.
I am the light of the world, says the Lord ;
he that follows Me shall possess the light of life.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL Mt 5:38-42
I tell you not to resist injustice.
From the holy gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to
Matthew
At that time Jesus said to his disciples :
“Ye have heard that it was said :
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
“But I say to you not to resist injustice,
but if anyone strikes you on the right cheek
turn to him the other also.
“And if anyone wishes to take you to court
and take away your lower garment,
let him also take the outer garment.
“And if anyone demands you to go one mile with him
go two with him.
“Give to whom you ask
and do not turn away if anyone wants to borrow from you.”
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Laudato Si
Encyclic of
POPE FRANCIS
On caring for the common home
205. Yet all is not lost. Human beings, while capable of the worst, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start, despite their mental and social conditioning. We can take an honest look at ourselves, acknowledge our deep dissatisfaction, and to embark on new paths to authentic freedom. No system can completely suppress our openness to what is good, true and beautiful, or our God-given ability to respond to his grace at work deep in our hearts. I appeal to everyone throughout the world not to forget this dignity which is ours. No one has the right to take it from us.
To be continued
The Bible text in this issue is taken from The New Translation of the Bible,
©Dutch Bible Society 2004/2007.
Considerations from Liturgical suggestions for weekdays and Sundays
Laudato Si Official English translation
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