Theme: "My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors."

From the desk of Ms. Kathleen Cook, Director of Religious Education

Theme: Matthew 5:38-48 My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors.

Summary : Love is the word and the action that is called of us as followers of Christ Jesus. Jesus addresses himself to the ancient law of an “eye for an eye,” as the code that spoke to equal retribution for an offense. What Jesus says is that in living a life founded on the law of Love there is no room for retribution and, in fact, retribution is to be replaced by love of one’s enemies. Forgiveness and love of one’s enemies is one of the greatest challenges to us and it is only with being rooted in a relationship with Jesus Christ that this can even become a reality.

Scripture: "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:43-44
 
One day Jesus was teaching out on a hillside. We call his lesson that day "The Sermon on the Mount." In his sermon, Jesus said some things that really surprised his listeners. "You have heard that you should love your neighbors and hate your enemies," Jesus said. "But I say, love your enemies -- and if someone does mean and hateful things to you, pray for them."
It isn't always easy to love your enemies, but there are some good reasons for doing it.

• It demonstrates the love of God to others.
• It sets a good example for others to follow.
• It turns enemies into friends.

Father, it is easy to love those who love us. Help us to love our enemies so that they might know that we are your children. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.    www.sermons4kids.com

Key Words in Today’s Readings: www.livingwithchrist.us

First Reading: Leviticus 19:1-2, 17-18
                To reprove is to correct someone or show them where they have done something wrong. The Lord tells Moses that we have a duty to do this, but we must do it in a loving way-loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:16-23
                The temple in Jerusalem was the place on earth where God’s Spirit was seen to dwell. It is startling when Saint Paul reminds us that our bodies and souls are God’s temple! We must take good care of our bodies as       well as live lives of justice and mercy.

Gospel: Matthew 5:38-48

                It seems harsh to us when Jesus mentions the saying, “An eye for an eye….” But this saying was seen as       just and fair, for it meant that compensation for an injury was limited to the value of what had been harmed or taken. What Jesus proposes is radical and surprising, going beyond what was ordinarily seen as acceptable.

                In the time of Jesus, most people owned two garments—a tunic for daytime use, and a cloak to provide           warmth night and day. When Jesus says to offer not only your tunic but your cloak as well, he is telling us to                be generous givers!
 
My Promise to Jesus: Lord, this week I will smile at people I don’t know well. I will try to add joy to each day!  https://us.magnificat.net/my-sunday-gospel-coloring-book-2020.html

Reflect: If a word or phrase from the Gospel captures your heart, sit quietly for several minutes, repeating it to yourself and asking God to show you how it applies to your life. How in your family, school, or community could you break a cycle of violence, revenge, or greed?   www.smp.org
 
Suggested book that compliments today’s Gospel:
http://scu.edu/character/build-plant-grow/
The Boy who Grew Flowers
Written by Jen Wojtowicz
ISBN: 13:978-1846867491

Pray that you will always allow the love of God to be reflected in your thoughts, words and actions. Ask Jesus to give you the eyes and ears to see and hear him in all those around you, especially those who seem different from you. Amen

Family Discussion:

Family life teaches us many things. It is often at home that we learn practical skills such as cooking, riding a bike, and making repairs. Talk about some of the things that the members of your family have learned to do at home. We also learn about caring at home. Talk about times when you have learned a lesson about sharing, forgiving, or loving through an experience that happened at home.
Talk about how love is the most important thing a family can share with one another. Explain that it is the same in God’s family. Read aloud this Sunday’s Gospel, Matthew 5:38–48. Talk about how Jesus tried to teach his disciples how to love others beyond those who are closest to them. Jesus tells them to love even their enemies. As members of God’s family, we are called to do the same thing. Talk about some concrete ways you can “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”

Remind your children that Jesus does not expect us to be perfect. Jesus knows that we are human and will not always do everything correctly. Explain that what Jesus wants us to do is to love others as if they were Jesus himself. If we reach out in love to others, we are doing exactly what Jesus did. That is what perfection looks like. End this time together by praying the  Act of Love..... www.loyolapress.com