FIRST READING
As servants of God we commend ourselves in every way.
A reading from the second Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 6: 1- 10)
Brethren: Working together with Christ, we entreat you not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation.” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. We put no obstacle in any one’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labours, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honour and dishonour, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 98: 1 .2-3ab.3cd-4 (R. 2a)
R/. The Lord has made known his salvation.
O sing a new song to the Lord,
for he has worked wonders.
His right hand and his holy arm
have brought salvation. R.
The Lord has made known his salvation,
has shown his deliverance to the nations.
He has remembered his merciful love
and his truth for the house of Israel. R.
R/. The Lord has made known his salvation.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.
Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song,
and sing out your praise. R.
ALLELUIA Psalm 119:105
Alleluia. Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light for my path.
Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil.”
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 5:38-42)
At that time: Jesus said to his disciples, “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist one who is evil. But if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to him who begs from you, and do not refuse him who would borrow from you.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Today’s Reflection
Martin Luther King Jr. said that “returning violence for violence multiples violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.” Contrary to popular thinking, non-violent responses to injustice aren’t signs of weakness. Christians must be peacemakers. Reacting in a spirit of vengeance wastes time and resources; it distracts us from focusing on the pressing needs of those who might lash out in hostility and frustration. To engage in the work of peace, we must be bold in seeking understanding and justice. Let us pray for the grace and patience to find non-violent means to heal troubled human relationships.