September 11: Thursday of Week 23 of Ordinary Time, Year
A-II:
1 Corinthians 8:1-7,11-13; Psalm
139:1-3, 13-14, 23-24; Luke 6:27-38
What is Jesus
saying to us as stewards of his kingship?
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“If it causes my brother to sin, I will never
eat meat again…” (1
Corinthians 8:13).
What Jesus says in today’s Gospel is so radical we don’t
even preach it. “Love your enemies” is acceptable only until Jesus spells it
out: do good to those who hate you, pray for those who mistreat you, give to
everyone who asks of you, give extra to those who cheat you, if someone takes
what is yours do not demand it back, lend and don’t expect repayment. This is a
whole new way of living in this world. In general, Christians don’t preach it
or practice it.
That is why we need a “New Evangelization.” We haven’t
heard the Good News ourselves. How can we announce it to others?
Personal reform is essential but not enough. We have to
reform our culture; transform attitudes and values; change the principles that
determine priorities and practices in family and social life, business and
politics. Beginning with ourselves.
Are you willing to give up perfectly legitimate possessions
and practices in order to bear striking witness to the values Jesus preached? A
“good” lifestyle doesn’t change anybody. A Christian lifestyle raises eyebrows.
If it doesn’t, it isn’t Christian. How much are you willing to invest in
transforming the world?
PRAY: “Send forth your Spirit, Lord, and our hearts will be
regenerated. And you will renew the face of the earth.”
PRACTICE: Don’t do what is just good; do what will bring about
change.
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