Reflection for Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 19, 2023 Lev 19:1-2,17-18: In these weeks before Lent starts, we’re being called to holiness. In this passage, we’re being called to a holistic change of heart. Literally, the Lord wants us to let go of the hatred we’ve held in our hearts for our brothers and sisters… even when they have seriously harmed us. We’re especially urged to avoid seeking revenge; which can often escalate conflicts and even result in violence. God instructs us to “cherish no grudges.” Reflecting on that, we can easily see that those who hold grudges get consumed by their own bitterness and anger. The unsettling moods of those holding grudges and planning revenge can compromise the bitter person’s health; mentally, physically and spiritually. May God remove all anger and bitterness from our hearts and replace these destructive feelings with love, mercy and forgiveness! Psalm 103: “The Lord is kind and merciful.” Instead of harboring anger and grudges, we’re called to be, like our God, kind and merciful. The psalmist inspires us to remember always and to nurture an ongoing appreciation for God’s generosity toward all of us. In particular, we’re being reminded to reflect on God’s merciful forgiveness; which is beyond our comprehension. We’re also being urged to thank God for His redemption of us and for God’s healing and powerful Presence. As we’re reflecting on God’s benevolent kindness toward us and forgiveness of our many faults, we must naturally experience a transformation within us that will enable us to pay forward the forgiveness we’ve received. Humble recognition of the clemency we’ve received should compel us to extend that to others, with an attitude of reciprocity with God. Let’s pray this week, to be filled with God-like compassion and love! Then, healing can come to us all. 1 Cor 3:16-23: Heretofore, we’ve been focusing on the dignity that our God accords us, even in our imperfection. We’ve also acknowledged that we’re indebted to extend to others the same mercy and forgiveness that we’ve unworthily received. Now, St. Paul uplifts us, anew, by alluding to us as temples of the Holy Spirit that are beloved by God and under His protection and guardianship. We’re reassured that anyone who attacks one of our Savior’s flock will be surely and severely punished. We’re cautioned not to let ourselves to become prideful or to get into a mindset that we’ve earned or somehow attained for ourselves the blessings and status we enjoy. Instead, we’re sternly told to admit and be convicted of our true place as servants and beneficiaries of a loving God, Who is the Source of all of our talents, treasures and very beings! Glory to God, alone! Matt 5:38-48: In today’s Gospel, Jesus describes for us the radical life transition to unselfish holiness to which we’re called. In essence, we’re told not to “fight back” against our enemies, but to respond with love. When they “forcefully take” from us, we’re being asked to give them, ungrudgingly more than they unfairly and sometimes violently wrested from us. We’re being commissioned to conquer our earthly enemies with the more powerful armament of ungrudging love. We’re asked… even mandated to become leaders in generosity, mercy, compassion and all forms of unselfish giving. In turn, we’ll be freed from enslavement to materialism, bitterness and self-serving pride and greed. The demands on the Christian disciple are high, but the rewards and the fellowship to be savored are worth it! Reflect on the fact that we’ve received unconditional love. Now, we’re fairly being asked to pass it on. Amen! Let’s proceed! Deacon Matt