June 18, 2012 – Matthew 5:38-42 – Concerning Retaliation

"You have heart that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.”"

In the gospel today, Fr. Michael Busch emphasized its moral lesson about man’s need for justice quoting the bible verse “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” The search for justice connotes to the right for revenge and retaliation. He said that we should not resist evildoer or people; do not stand up on bully or to make the first strike. Jesus urges and calls for generous response to anyone who is hurt or goes beyond retaliation to extend love to our enemies. This is a tall order and seems to be impossible and very difficult to do. Jesus never promised an easy life but teaches us how to understand the core of truth, which is love. The cost is high but the rewards are huge.   

June 14, 2012 – Matthew 5:20-26 – Concerning Anger

"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, “You shall not murder”; and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.” But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, “You fools; you will be liable to the hell of fire.” So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if  you remember that  your brother or sister has something against you leave your gift there before the altar and go first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to the court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly, I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny."

Fr. Dan Donovan cited Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount that He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. He explained that the “law” pertains to the law of love and service and “to fulfill,” means to live it as it was intended to be lived. 

He also mentioned that one of the commandments “Thou shall not murder” include the church orders to avoid injury to another person, inflict insults, or do an act of disrespect. Jesus’ commandments are focused on the heart, feelings, and emotions of human being. When we have negative feelings towards others, we should try to modify them and eliminate all evil thoughts. We should try to reconcile with that person and be at peace with one another. We can overcome animosity and rancor when we become aware of forgiveness. God challenges us to do great things. He is not interested in our sins so he wants us to change and remove this obstacle in our life.

June 12, 2012 – Matthew 5:13-16 – Salt and Light

"You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything but is thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven."

Fr. Glenn Mcdonald asked how do people encounter God in everyday life especially the Holy Spirit. One way is to look to those places or things that we wanted to hide. If we examine ourselves, we can find those sins that we do repeatedly and then ask mercy from God. With the gift of humility, we can create forgiveness in our heart and find inner peace.

June 11, 2012 – Acts 11:22-24 – The Church in Antioch

"The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number became believer and turned to the Lord. News of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion; for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith."

In the gospel today, Barnabas whose real name is Joseph, is able to give others support when they are discouraged. Fr. Michael Busch said that we need people like Barnabas who encourage us at every opportunity. When parent calls children with insulting names, they become the names it suggests. Thus, we should never underestimate the power of encouraging words. We should encourage our family members, neighbors, co-workers, staff, and others in what they do. We become instrument of power and grace if we possess a priceless gift of encouragement.  

June 10, 2012 – 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1 – Living by Faith

"So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary but what cannot be seen is eternal."

Fr. John Newton1/ said in his homily that there are three things, which people like to hear: “I love you”; “I forgive you” and “Come to dinner.” Today, we are invited to gather in the Mass and celebrate the Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ. We can partake of the bread in the Communion, which symbolizes the Body and Blood of Christ that gives us support and life.

1/ Parish Priest of St. John Church, Toronto

June 8, 2012 – 2 Timothy 3:14–17 – Paul’s Charge to Timothy

"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred writing that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scriptures is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work."

The gospel invites us to imitate the quality of St. Paul to have great trust in the Lord thinking that God is there to rescue whatever happens to us. Like St. Paul, every parent’s duties are to give the first taste of goodness to children, discipline and teach them the courage of conviction, which is to learn how to cope up the hard things in life. God inspires all scriptures where we learn the word of God. God will teach us through the Holy Spirit so that our teachings may be verified by the truth itself.